Brick Police Given Kits To Help Those With Autism In Emergencies

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township first responders who encounter people with autism in an emergency situation recently received another tool they can use to help those in need in stressful situations.

Representatives from Willow Springs Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center donated 10 sensory kits to Brick Township for the Brick Township Police EMS to put on its ambulances.

The kits contain items that help people who are experiencing sensory overload, by giving them something to focus one of their senses on. This is known as “stimming.” In addition to the stimming objects each kit contains several “I have autism” and “My child has autism” cards that first responders can hand out to autistic people and to parents of autistic children, cards they can then use to make sure others who encounter them in emergencies understand why they may be responding differently than someone expects.

The Brick Township Police Department trains its officers in autism awareness and best practices in responding to those who may be experiencing an emergency associated with autism spectrum disorder, Sgt. Jim Kelly said. In February all the officers in the department went through a half-day of training with Gary Weitzen, director of POAC (Parents of Autistic Children).

In 2020, the department responded to at least 49 incidents involving a person with autism, Kelly said, and in 2021 through Sept. 16, Brick Township police have responded to at least 33 incidents.

Pam Montemurno, the director of Hospital and Physician Relations for Willow Springs, said they were pleased to donate the kits, which are made and sold by POAC.

"Whatever we can do to serve the community, that’s what we’re looking to do," she said. "We’re really happy to help."

"We’re always glad to have partners to help us," Police Chief James Riccio said. "Policing is a team effort and these kits are a great example of how everyone in a community can work together to benefit those with special needs."

The kits were placed on the ambulances immediately with instructions from POAC on their use.