<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Jerry Turning shares his journey from veteran police officer to autism advocate after his son's diagnosis, creating Blue Bridge Autism Training to educate first responders about autism. </p><p>His unique perspective bridges the gap between law enforcement and the autism community, helping prevent dangerous misunderstandings during crisis situations.<br><br>• Turning spent 22 of his 25-year police career as a canine handler before his son's autism diagnosis changed everything<br>• Police often misinterpret autism behaviors as intoxication, evasiveness, or defiance due to lack of training<br>• Turning teaches officers to recognize autism indicators like stimming, echolalia, and sensory challenges<br>• First responders need to understand they're entering high-stress environments where families may struggle to communicate clearly<br>• Registration systems allow families to pre-record information about triggers and de-escalation techniques<br>• Parents should proactively introduce their autistic children to local police during calm periods<br>• Simple community connections often prove more effective than formal training alone<br>• Both police and families benefit from approaching these situations with humility and openness<br><br>Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.<br><br><br></p><p>https://tonymantor.com<br>https://Facebook.com/tonymantor<br>https://instagram.com/tonymantor<br>https://twitter.com/tonymantor<br>https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic<br>intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild<br>Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)</p>