#United States #Manchester #Autism #community safety #Applied ABC

Applied ABC's National Community Safety Initiative for Children with Autism

Applied ABC has embarked on a significant endeavor with the launch of its National Community Safety Initiative tailored for children with autism. The initiative kick-started in Manchester, New Hampshire, where it aims to forge essential connections between autistic children and first responders, thereby enhancing community safety and emergency preparedness.

Understanding the Issue

Recent national studies underscore a troubling statistic: nearly 50% of children with autism may attempt to wander away from safe environments, putting them at risk. Alarming media reports reveal that, over a six-year span, approximately one-third of these cases resulted in fatalities or required medical intervention due to preventable circumstances, such as drowning or traffic accidents.

In recognition of these risks, Applied ABC aims to transform these findings into actionable solutions by partnering with local law enforcement and fire departments. The overarching goal is to raise safety awareness, mitigate risks for children on the autism spectrum, and provide families with invaluable hands-on experiences that could potentially save lives in future emergencies.

Launch Event Highlights

The inaugural event held at Applied ABC's center in Manchester featured a unique guest, the comfort mini horse named Milly from the Manchester Police Department. This heartwarming interaction served as an icebreaker, allowing children to engage in vital discussions about what to do if they become separated from caregivers. Officer Brianna Miano led these dialogues, teaching the children how to ask for help and share essential information with first responders.

Subsequently, the Manchester Fire Department conducted a memorable Touch-a-Truck and Fire Safety Day, where kids were invited to explore emergency vehicles in a supportive, sensory-friendly atmosphere. They interacted with firefighters, learned about fire alarms, and practiced communicating with first responders clad in their protective gear, a crucial exercise designed to reduce anxiety during real-life emergencies.

Kayla Poulin, the NH Center Director for Applied ABC, emphasized the importance of safety education, stating, “Safety education is critical for the families we serve. By bringing police and fire departments directly into our programming, we're helping children with autism gain familiarity and skills that could one day save lives.”

Future Plans

The initiative is not a one-time event; Applied ABC has pledged to host ongoing safety events to reinforce learning and community engagement. A Fire Department Safety Day is already on the agenda for October, promising more opportunities for children and families to gain confidence in handling emergency situations.

About Applied ABC

Applied ABC is a prominent provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services, dedicated to supporting children with autism and their families across the United States. The organization's focus on accessibility, clinical excellence, and family empowerment enables partnerships with communities to help children reach their fullest potential through various therapeutic settings, including home-based, center-based, and school-based services.

For those interested in learning more about Applied ABC and their services, further information can be found at their official website: www.appliedabc.com.

In conclusion, the launch of the National Community Safety Initiative marks a substantial step forward in creating safer environments for autistic children, fostering trust between them and public safety officials, and preparing them - and their families - for real-world challenges.