Responding 2 Autism

Two nights of training down… and we’re not finished yet!
💙🚔💙

Responding 2 Autism had the privilege of spending two evenings with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Tamarac District on September 22 and 24, sharing our autism and emergency response training with an incredible group of first responders and community partners.

Along with deputies from the Tamarac District, we were excited to welcome deputies from Parkland, as well as members of Parking Enforcement and Parks & Recreation. We love when training brings together the different people who may interact with an individual with autism during an emergency or out in the community.

👉 A special thank you to Captain Franks and Lieutenant Haugh for their hospitality, support, and for hosting us over both evenings.

We were also excited to provide our ZENsory Kits 💙 🎧 🖍️ 📝 tools designed for first responders to use when an individual with autism may be overstimulated, experiencing sensory overload, or having difficulty communicating during an emergency. 💙

And we’re not done with Tamarac yet! We’ll be back on October 7th to train the remainder of their deputies.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside these professionals and especially thankful for their commitment to learning, understanding, and better serving the autism community in Tamarac.

“The more we know, the better we do” 💙

👉UPDATE: He has been found SAFE!

A Florida family needs our help.

16-year-old Benjamin Adcock is missing from St. Augustine in St. Johns County. Benjamin has autism, and a Spectrum Alert has been issued for him.

Please take a moment to look closely at Benjamin’s photo and SHARE this post far and wide. Someone may have seen him, passed him on the road, or noticed something they didn’t realize was important at the time.

Benjamin’s mother, Olga Alessandra Viotti, has shared additional information about her son and his disappearance. Please read and share her original post here👇

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19s2GkFD4N/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If you see Benjamin or believe you have information about his whereabouts, please call 911 or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304.

A huge thank you to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for hosting today’s Special Needs Fair in Pembroke Pines and for bringing together so many incredible organizations, programs, and resources for individuals with special needs and their families.

Responding 2 Autism was proud to be there, sharing our mission, meeting families, connecting with other organizations, and making some wonderful new friends along the way.

We were also especially proud to partner with the City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Therapeutic team (Katrice & Allie) to help share the many amazing programs and opportunities they offer for individuals of all abilities. 💙

Events like this are so important. Families often don’t know just how many resources are available to them until someone brings those resources together in one welcoming, accessible and fun environment.

And we weren’t just there to share ♥️ we were there to learn!

Martin Jr. and I made our way around the entire auditorium, visiting every vendor we could and discovering so many wonderful organizations, services and programs that we didn’t even know existed. We came home with new information, new connections and even more resources we can share with families we meet throughout Florida.

That’s what community is all about, learning from one another, supporting one another, and making sure families know they don’t have to navigate the journey alone.

Thank you, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, for bringing everyone together for such a special day. 💙

“The more we know the better we do”

We Will Never Forget.
🇺🇸❤️🚒💙🚔🚑❤️🚑🇺🇸

Twenty five years ago today, as thousands of people were desperately trying to escape unimaginable danger, First Responders were running toward it.

They climbed the stairs.
They entered the smoke.
They answered the calls.
They stayed when every instinct said to run.

On September 11, 2001, hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics and other emergency personnel gave their lives in service to others. Countless more carried the physical and emotional effects of that day with them for years afterward.

At Responding 2 Autism, First Responders hold a very special place in our hearts. ❤️ We have the privilege of standing in rooms with them across Florida, sharing our family’s story and helping prepare them for the moments when an individual with autism may need their understanding, patience and compassion.

But today, we simply say THANK YOU.

We remember those who answered their final call on September 11, 2001. We remember the families who kissed them goodbye that morning without knowing it would be the last time. And we honor every first responder who continues to put on a uniform and answer the call today.

May we never forget their courage.
May we never forget their sacrifice.
May we never forget them. 🇺🇸❤️🕯️

Happy Labor Day ♥️ While you are enjoying time with your family, having a cookout or just enjoying your day off, please remember the First Responders who are working throughout your communities to keep you safe. ♥️🚒💙🚔

Thank you for the invitation, we were proud to stand with the Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation TR Department at this community meeting sharing our journey with the residents.

Join Responding 2 Autism at Beyond the Badge!”🚔💙🚔

Presented by Family Care Council Area 10, taking place on October 6, 2026 at:
Arc Broward
10250 NW 53rd Street Sunrise, Florida 33351

Beyond the Badge will focus on building understanding, strengthening connections, and supporting safer interactions between the autism community and law enforcement.

✨ What You’ll Learn:
👉 What police officers are taught about autism
👉 How families can prepare for interactions with law enforcement
👉 Communication strategies for effective interactions
👉 Community resources available in Broward County

🎤 Featuring “Responding 2 Autism”and a live Q&A
📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026
⏰ 6:30–8:30 PM | Doors open at 6:00 PM
📍 Arc Broward
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION — ✔️ Registration Required
☕ Light refreshments provided

⌨️ Click the link to register!
https://form.jotform.com/262346301922047

A very special FIRST with the First Responders of Cocoa Beach. 💙🚔💙🏝️💙

Responding 2 Autism was honored to spend two incredible days this week in the beautiful City of Cocoa Beach training with the Cocoa Beach Police Department! 💙🚔

What an amazing group of men and women, all dedicated to serving their community with professionalism, compassion, and a genuine desire to better understand the individuals and families they serve.

Over the course of two days, we had the opportunity to train the entire department; Sworn Officers, Park Rangers, Parking Enforcement, civilian staff, volunteers, and even a very special guest, Mrs. Ali Ingersoll from J&M Support Coordination.

Chief Kuehn and Lieutenant Ingersoll were incredibly gracious hosts, and we are so thankful for the warm welcome extended to our family and Responding 2 Autism.

We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Cocoa Beach Police Department and the community they serve as, together, we continue bridging the gap between law enforcement and the autism community through education, awareness, and understanding. 💙

🏝️ Thank you, Cocoa Beach, for welcoming Responding 2 Autism. We look forward to seeing you again!

“The More We Know… The Better We Do” 💙