In Fremont, California, Kari Rich and Mispup Brownrich are making a meaningful difference for families living with autism. The couple founded Joshua’s Gift, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental challenges and their families. Over the years, their work has expanded from organizing support groups, social events, and toy drives to creating innovative programs that educate first responders about autism.
Joshua’s Gift came into existence after Kari and Mispup’s child Joshua was diagnosed as having autism at two years of age.
“We reacted very differently to the diagnosis,” Mispup stated. “My husband Kerry closed himself in the bedroom for three days, and all I could think was ‘why’, ‘why’, ‘why’?” Kerry finally emerged and had a new perspective on the situation. “The first thing my husband said to me was, This kid is a gift to us, let’s roll up our sleeves and start working for him.”
A Frightening Experience Sparks Action
Years later, a troubling incident at a police station prompted the couple to take further action. Joshua, then 19, was at a station with his mother to pick up a lost wallet. When he stepped into an officer’s view to give a hug, the officer reportedly reached for his gun. “I took Joshua and just brushed him behind me, in shock,” Mispup said.
This experience highlighted a larger issue: many first responders lack training in how to interact with autistic individuals, even though police will stop one in five people on the spectrum before age 21. Realizing this gap, Rich and Brownrich committed to teaching officers how to respond safely and compassionately.
Code Joshua: Safety Through Preparation
With community and Golden State Warriors support, the pair have trained more than 3,000 officers. The pair has also developed Code Joshua, an Autism Emergency Alert Registry. Families can register voluntary information about their loved ones on this registry, such as potential triggers, how to calm them, and expected behaviors. This allows police officers to respond appropriately when they encounter that individual.
Lieutenant Calvin Tang of the Fremont Police Department explained, “Approach, expected behaviors, triggers, and sensitivities—those are all things we want to know to ensure safety for everyone.” Hundreds of families have already signed up. Eric and Beth Coons, parents of a deaf and autistic child, said, “With Code Joshua, we feel safer. It’s reassuring to know the community supports him.”
A Gift to the Community
Rich and Brownrich see their work as a way to save lives. “It’s a win-win,” Mispup said. “We provide information, training, and everyone stays safe. Everyone can go home safely, and that’s what we want.” The couple plans to expand Code Joshua across California and add a 24-hour hotline staffed by a behavioral analyst for police needing guidance in urgent situations.
Joshua’s Gift continues to host community events, including an upcoming toy drive on December 13 for families living with autism.
Preparation, & awareness
At Sacramento ABA, we are committed to believing in every child as a person deserving of understanding and support, particularly when it is overwhelming for children because the world is moving so quickly or because they feel they have to perform like everyone else. Programs such as Joshua’s Gift help remind us how much preparation, awareness, and even elementary acts of kindness can make a difference in making life safer and more loving for children with Autism.
We partner with families to decode the world through your child’s eyes, providing therapy and guidance that isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s helping your child communicate, navigate social situations, or build independence, we’re here to walk beside you—step by step, question by question, moment by moment.
If you’ve ever worried about your child being misunderstood, overwhelmed, or left out, reach out to Sacramento ABA. Together, we can turn awareness into action, challenges into growth, and everyday moments into victories.
