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Autism Kit for First Responders

April 21, 2022SupportsBy Colleen George
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In stressful situations, such as emergencies, people with autism may experience heightened challenges with communication and sensory perception. The sensory kit below includes items that may be helpful to officers, such as tips on assisting and interacting with a person with autism, as well as communication boards and visuals to make communication more accessible, and sensory items that may be comforting or regulating to the person with autism.

Clicking on any of the graphics below will open a high-resolution, printable version in a full-size window.

Sensory kit contents 1

Sensory kit contents 2

Our suggested sensory kit includes:

Autism support tips for first responders:

Autism support tips for first responders

Communication supports:

  • ID/information sentence starters
    Visuals - Identification
  • Common words with pictures (“I need ___”)
    Visuals - I Need
  • “I feel ___”
    Visuals - Feelings
  • “Police –> Help –> It’s okay”
    Visuals - Police
  • Reassuring phrases
    Reassurance Phrases
  • Letterboard
    1. Alphabetic
    2. QWERTY
  • Dry erase card and marker:
    1. Dry Erase Index Cards, Giant Reusable Flash Cards (5″ x 8″)
    2. Keebor Basic Low Odor Dry Erase Markers 72 pack
  • Clear backpack:
  • MarcoPromos Clear Security Backpack
  •  

    Sensory supports:

    • Noise-canceling headphones:
      • NEIKO Adjustable Safety Earmuffs for Noise Reduction 2 pk
    • Sunglasses:
      • Nasidear 36 Pack 18 Colors Neon Sunglasses
    • Liquid bubbler:
      • Super Z Outlet Liquid Motion Bubbler 4 pk
    • Push pop fidget:
      • PFCA Fidget Toys 3 Pack Push Pop Bubble Sensory Fidget
    • Stress ball:
      • Sensory Stress Ball Set 12 Pack
    • Stuffed animal / plush:
      • Kohl’s Cares Stuffed Animals

    Using the support kit:

    • Dry erase card:
      • Offer simple drawings or short clear instructions
      • Offer yes/no or a. b. c. d. responses
    • Noise-canceling headphones:
      • Softens/reduces noise (/too many sounds at once)
    • Sunglasses:
      • Reduces visual discomfort (car lights, the sun, etc.)
    • Liquid bubbler:
      • Calming visual support
    • Push pop fidget:
      • Calming / anxiety relief, keeps hands busy
    • Stress ball:
      • Grounding, calming / tension relief
    • Plush / stuffed animal:
      • Comforting / calming to hug or squeeze tightly

     

    Possible additional or alternative components:

    • Kids Weighted Lap Pad 17x22in 2lbs
    • 6Pcs Fidget Toys Textured Stretchy String Sensory Toy
    • 12Pcs Wacky Track Snap Sensory Click Toys
    About the author

    Colleen George

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