AUSTIN, Texas —
Austin first responders are working to improve the interactions they have with people on the autism spectrum.
On Saturday, Austin police hosted an inaugural Autism Sensory Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4101 S. Industrial Drive in southeast Austin. The police department partnered with the Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County EMS and others to put on the event.
There were demonstrations from first responders to go over what an encounter with them could be like, so that people on the autism spectrum would know what to expect.
"Just because then people there, autistic, get more of a opportunity to interact with just whoever they come across. But also, they also can teach the police department on how to interact with people on the spectrum – and it's different person to person," said Payton Green, who attended the event.
Austin Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson said it's a learning experience for the families and the responders.
"I hope there's an educational component that they can share with us. They are essentially the content expert – so for them being here, bringing their children here and having an opportunity to interact with our first responders with that educational component for us," Henderson said.
The demonstrations were outside and there was an indoor destimulation room for anyone who needed a quiet place to relax and decompress. Inside, there were tables with local resources handing out information.