Bella VistaThursday, November 5
Bella Vista police now have 50 autism response kits to help calm tense moments
The Daily Rogers team
Autism Involves Me, known as AIM, has donated 50 autism response kits to the Bella Vista Police Department. The kits grew out of a call from the department after officers saw an interaction online involving law enforcement and an autistic person. In that case, a responding officer's sensory kit helped "really turn that situation around," AIM Executive Director Paula George said.
50autism response kits donated to Bella Vista police
AIM's kits are meant for moments when responders may not realize someone has autism.
Source: KATV
The effort, called AIM2Respond, also gives officers training on communication differences and sensory sensitivities. George said something as simple as offering a visual communication board can make "a tremendous difference in how an interaction unfolds."
Each kit packs tools for sound, light and communication
| In the kit | What it does |
|---|---|
| Noise-reducing headphones | Cut down sensory overload |
| Sunglasses | Help if lights are too bright |
| Communication cards | Show feelings or where it hurts |
| Fidget and sensory tools | Ease overstimulation |
Sources: KATV, arkansasonline.com
- Funding: fundraising and donations
- Funding stays local, including in Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties
- Next: AIM hopes to reach other first responder agencies
- To help: use the "contact us" tab to donate or connect agencies
Sources: KATV, arkansasonline.com