The Modesto police department has been making positive strides lately. Did you know that Modesto police is one of the pioneering California organizations to implement “Carter Kits”? Carter Kits are specialized bags that contain sensory items aimed at providing comfort and facilitating communication between individuals with autism and first responders.
Carter Kits is a game-changer approach
If you work in fire or police services, you probably understand how difficult it can be to communicate with children or adults with autism during high-stress situations. The loud noises, flashing lights, and chaotic environment can cause sensory overload and make it challenging for individuals with autism to express themselves effectively. Modesto Police’s implementation of Carter Kits is a game-changer approach to addressing this problem.
It all began two years ago when officers responded to a call about a mother and her son with special needs. Not fully understanding the situation, the officer interacted with the son as if he were a troubled teenager. After further discussion with the mother, it became evident that the department needed additional autism training.
The situation could have been avoided had the officer been equipped with the proper knowledge and tools to handle individuals with special needs. The importance of specialized training and resources for law enforcement when interacting with individuals who have special needs cannot be overstated. As Officer Lockridge stated, it can even be a traumatic experience for those involved if proper understanding and techniques are not utilized.
Modesto Police Department aims to gradually acquire more Carter Kits
Thankfully, through the use of Carter Kits and sensory toys, Officer Lockridge was able to build rapport with the child and establish open communication. This allowed them to understand the situation at hand better and provide appropriate assistance. In order to ensure that this valuable resource is widely available, the Modesto Police Department aims to gradually acquire more Carter Kits and distribute them among all supervisors’ vehicles.
This will enable officers to have a quick and accessible means of communication in situations where verbal exchange may not be possible. We at Sacramento ABA Therapy are grateful for the efforts of the Modesto Police Department in recognizing and catering to the needs of nonverbal individuals, including Autistic individuals in emergency situations.
With continued support and resources, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding society for individuals with special needs. For parents who need Autism treatment and support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Sacramento ABA Therapy.
