Stonington — The town has developed a system that will help police and other first responders locate missing or runaway people with autism and offer immediate guidance about how to successfully interact with them when found.

Called the “Citizens with Autism Safety System,” it uses the town’s Geographic Information System and is thought to be the first of its kind.

Family members can supply confidential information about the person, including preferred methods of communication, behaviors, triggers to avoid, sensory issues and calming methods, along with a high-resolution photo, description and emergency numbers.

They also can provide details about places the person is likely to frequent, which are then mapped.

The system also identifies bodies of water, storm drains and pools within a half-mile radius of the person’s last known location, because those with autism often are drawn to water. This has resulted in drowning becoming one of the leading causes of death for those with autism.

“Instead of reacting to a situation, we want to be innovative,” said Selectman Mike Spellman, a former state trooper and current Groton City police officer who often interacts with those with autism.

The announcement of the system this week comes during Autism Awareness month. Signs of support and symbolic blue lights can be seen throughout town.

While part of the town GIS system, the autism information is password protected and can only be accessed by authorized users such as police, firefighters and ambulance personnel.

The system is the outgrowth of a training session on autism that Spellman had at the Groton City police department last fall.

Later that day, the expert from the Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition who conducted the training went to Stonington to meet with an autism support group for parents.

First Selectman Rob Simmons, who was at that meeting, said the group began discussing if there was a way to facilitate the process of locating a missing child with autism.

Human Services Director Leanne Theodore and Information Technology Director Roger Kizer then worked with the town’s GIS vendor to develop the autism “layer.”

The mapping system has various layers of data about zoning, wetlands, flood zones and other topics.

“As far as I know we’re the first place to put these pieces together in this form," said Simmons, who said there are no real costs for the addition to the system.

“This was done with volunteer spirit and the creativity of our people and Mike Spellman,” Simmons said.

Spellman said it could be further expanded to include information about those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Both Simmons and Spellman said they expect other communities to contact them about implementing a similar system.

Simmons added the work of Theodore and Kizer to come up with the system could not only save the life of a child with autism, but become a “model for public safety officials across the state and around the country.”

“I hope this really takes off,” said Spellman, who commended Kizer for making the system a reality.

“Roger did a great job,” he said.

A half dozen families already have expressed interest in being part of the system, Simmons said.

For more information about registering for the system, contact the Human Services Department at (860) 535-5015.

j.wojtas@theday.com