Howard County Police Department Receives 250 Sensory Kits

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, a donation of 250 sensory kits has been made by the Hussman Institute for Autism to the Howard County Police Department. The kits will assist officers and mobile crisis teams engaged in situations involving people with autism or related disabilities.

“Howard County is home to the safest city in America and we want residents and visitors of all ages and abilities in Howard County to be safe and feel safe – and as World Autism Acceptance month comes to an end, this donation could not be timelier,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at the presentation of kits to the department. “These sensory kits are an excellent example of innovative, compassionate ways to ensure Howard County is welcoming to all.”

In emergency situations, children and adults with autism may experience challenges with communication, social interactions and sensory regulation. The kits include items that will be helpful to officers, including tips on how to assist a person with autism, communication boards and other items that may be comforting to the person with autism. In addition to noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses, each kit includes fidget gadgets such as a rainbow bubble POP, liquid motion timer, stress relief ball and plush toy.

“Our officers routinely respond to calls involving people with autism or related disabilities,” Howard County Police Chief Gregory J. Der. “These kits can help us reduce stress and confusion in what may be an already upsetting or chaotic incident.”

“In emergency situations, the ability to understand and support differences can be critical,” added John Hussman, executive director of the Hussman Institute for Autism. “Offering reassurance, communication supports, sensory accommodations and the patience to complete routines or deescalate can be enormously helpful.”