Responding 2 Autism

05/29/2026

Families in Brevard County
👉 Check out this event ⚾️coming to your community.

☀️Come join us to kick off summer! This free event will be from 9-12 on June 6th at The Field of Dreams in West Melbourne! We hope to see you out there!

05/29/2026

What an amazing day of learning at Broward College’s Institute of Public Safety. We had the honor of presenting our training to cadets representing multiple agencies from across Broward County.

Opportunities like this are especially meaningful because they allow us to connect with the next generation of first responders before they begin serving our communities. Together, we explored effective strategies for recognizing, understanding, communicating with, and supporting individuals with autism during emergency and non-emergency interactions.

Thank you to Broward College for the opportunity to be part of their cadets’ educational journey.

“The more we know, the better we do”

05/22/2026

From all of us with Responding 2 Autism “We remember, we honor and we are forever grateful” 🇺🇸🇺🇸

05/19/2026

We are excited to begin creating our new “Code Calm Bags” 👉 sensory support kits designed for First Responders to use in the field during emergencies involving children with autism or sensory sensitivities.

These bags are intended to provide comfort, calming, communication, and distraction tools during stressful or overwhelming situations.

Items may include:
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Communication cards
• Sensory/fidget items
• Bubbles
• Flashlights
• Comfort tools and more

👉 Now we’d love your input.

What items do YOU think would be helpful to include in a Code Calm Bag? Please
tell us in the comments below.👇

05/13/2026

🌹🕯️🚔 Please join Responding 2 Autism in recognizing and honoring National Police Week 2026; a week-long federal observance taking place from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.

This week, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty so our communities remain safe.

Among those we honor is Sergeant Christopher Reyka, an incredible man, father, husband, and friend who gave his life on August 10, 2007, while protecting the citizens of Pompano Beach. His courage, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🕯️

Established by Congressional joint resolution in 1962, National Police Week is dedicated to honoring the service, courage, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the United States, with special remembrance for those who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

From all of us at Responding 2 Autism, we extend our deepest gratitude to the officers who continue to serve and protect our communities each and every day. 💙

“the more we know the better we do.”

05/10/2026

A very special Mother’s Day to all First Responder Moms out there today. 💙🚔❤️🚒

05/09/2026

🚸🚔👮School Resource Officers 👉 this is one of the most important things you can do before an emergency ever happens. Take the time to identify and familiarize yourself with ALL bodies of water surrounding your school campus; including lakes, canals, retention ponds, and even nearby homes with backyard pools.

Drowning remains the leading cause of death associated with wandering and elopement among children with autism. Studies show approximately 91% of these tragedies involve water.

Children with autism are estimated to be up to 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers, and nearly half of children on the spectrum will attempt to wander or elope after the age of four.

For many individuals with autism, water can provide a calming, sensory rich environment, making lakes, canals, ponds, and pools especially attractive during moments of sensory overload or distress.

In the event of an elopement, knowing where these water hazards are located ahead of time can make the difference between life and death.

Preparation saves time. 💙Awareness saves lives. 💙

“the more we know the better we do.”

05/09/2026

The City of Pompano Beach’s Therapeutic Recreation Department is offering some exciting programs this summer for adults with developmental and sensory disorders. All programs run from April to September.

To learn more visit: https://parks.pompanobeachfl.gov/trec

👉 Registration is required for all programs.
Call: 954-786-7841 or
Email: [email protected]

05/08/2026

May is National Water Safety Month 🌞 a topic incredibly important to the autism community.

Listen as these amazing kiddos help share the importance of water safety awareness. Although this video was first published in 2020, the message remains just as important today.

Children with autism are at a significantly higher risk of drowning, which is why education, awareness, and prevention matter so much.

“the more we know the better we do.”

May is Water Safety Awareness Month. Drowning is the #1 cause of death in children with autism. In fact, kids with autism drown at a rate 160 times greater t...

05/06/2026

Join the City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Department along with Responding 2 Autism for:
🏄🏄‍♂️🏄🏻‍♀️🏄🏄‍♂️🏄🏄🏻‍♀️🏄🏄‍♂️
WAVES OF ABILITY
A one day Surfing Event for Kids & Adults with Developmental Disabilities ages 13+.
Come and learn the basics of surfing with a team of experienced surfers. Held at the Pompano Beach Public Beach - Great Lawn area 🏖️20-98 North Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fl 33062. All equipment will be provided, please come dressed for swimming with a towel and sunscreen! ☀️🕶️

👉 Must be registered in advance, online @ http://bit.ly/42fBuk6 or in person at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center. Call (954)786-7841 or email [email protected] for more information.

👉 Special accommodations must be requested at least 10 days prior to the event.

05/06/2026

Touch-A-Truck 2026 was an incredible success!
🚔💙🚒❤️🚑🚛🚚🚌🚁😎

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this amazing community event. The turnout was one of the biggest we’ve ever seen, with hundreds of children and families enjoying the opportunity to explore all of the incredible first responder vehicles and so much more.

Our sensory-friendly hour was especially meaningful, creating a welcoming environment where families could connect, learn, and enjoy the experience together.

Most importantly, events like this help keep the conversation going about how important it is to bridge the gap between first responders and the autism community. Through meaningful interactions, understanding grows and that’s what it’s all about. 😎