The Garrett County Local Behavioral Health Authority recently provided autism bags to each officer at the Maryland State Police Barracks in McHenry.
“We were pleased to be able to provide these kits to the local Maryland State Police officers to help make their interactions with autistic persons go more smoothly,” said Sadie Liller, Garrett County Local Behavioral Health Authority. “Emergency situations are difficult for everyone, but being prepared can make a big difference.”
Autistic individuals may experience increased challenges with communication and sensory perception during stressful situations. The officer’s kits include items that may be helpful in these interactions, including communication boards and visuals to make communicating easier, and sensory items that may be comforting or regulating to the person with autism.
The kits also include tips on assisting and interacting with a person with autism. Funding for this project was provided by the Maryland Department of Health and coordinated by the Garrett County Local Behavioral Health Authority.
Photo Cutline: Pictured above from left to right are Corporal Matthew Dull, Sadie Liller – Local Behavioral Health Authority, and TFC Ronald Schrock displaying the autism bags provided to MSP by the Garrett County Local Behavioral Health Authority.
