Bitterroot First Responders Now Equipped With Autism Sensory Kits

Sequoia’s story:

July 6, 2020 at 2:15 a.m. my 15 yr. old daughter, Sequoia and I awoke to pounding on our door and first responders yelling “GET OUT!” The apartment building next door had been set on fire and ours was next in line.

Sequoia has autism, anything out of routine is hard for her, especially leaving her cozy bed in the middle of the night. It took several minutes to convince her to leave, and all people involved were under severe duress. Once outside, we encountered many sirens and bright lights as four fire departments responded. They courageously went to work putting out the fire and in great efforts to save people and buildings.

This experience showed a significant need for sensory tools to help people with autism and those with different abilities face emergencies. Thanks to the REC’s Power Of Change and Rapp Family Foundation we have an opportunity to provide these sensory tools to EMS, Fire, Sheriff and Police departments in the Bitterroot Valley. Local schools will also receive these kits for classroom and individual use.

Here’s what you will find in the kit*:

• Noise-Cancelling Headphones to help with loud noises

• Sunglasses to dim bright and overwhelming lights

• Chewy Necklace to help bring a calming, relaxing feeling

• Liquid Timer to help shift focus more inward, distracting from the emergency

• Several Tactile Toys used for calming, distracting from emergency

• Lavender Essential Oil Rollerball to promote relaxation

*Each of these items sends calming signals to the brain through different sensory systems

These tools are useful for people with special abilities, mental health issues, and also children who are upset or overwhelmed in a crisis situation.

Please use these tools for whomever needs, whenever needed. They can be given to the individuals, and we will replace them as needed. Some items may vary in the kits.

Contact us for more information.