Reading Police Department Supporting Autism Awareness Month In April

READING, MA — The Reading Police Department has announced that it is participating in the Autism Police Patch Program once again this year.

During the month of April, which is National Autism Awareness Month, Reading PD officers are wearing an Autism Awareness patch on their uniforms in an effort to show support for those living on the autism spectrum.

Residents also can get an Autism Awareness patch by donating at least $10 to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. The foundation was started by former Boston College Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie in 1998 after their son Doug Jr. was diagnosed with Autism at age 3.

The Flutie Foundation provides financial assistance for families caring for a loved one with autism and educates the public about autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"Reading police officers have made a tradition of wearing these patches each April, and we are proud to help raise awareness for those living with autism spectrum disorder," said Reading Police Chief David Clark. "These patches also provide a great way for the community to show support, and to support a great charity — the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism."

Donors who would like to receive an Autism Awareness patch should send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Kristen O'Shaughnessy, community services officer, at the Reading Police Department, 15 Union St., Reading, MA., 01867.

The envelope should contain a check for $10 or more made out to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. Or, donors can include documentation that they have made a donation to the foundation.

The self-addressed stamped enveloped also can be dropped off at the police station.

For more information about the program, residents are asked to contact O'Shaughnessy at 781-942-6762 or via email at koshaughnessy@ci.reading.ma.us.