Emergency vehicles throughout the county are now equipped with sensory boxes for use in assisting in contacts with people on the autism spectrum. The sensory boxes are being assembled and donated by Anthony’s Autism Awareness, a local non-profit.
The Marysville Police/Fire/EMS department, Port Huron City Police, Port Huron Fire Department, Fort Gratiot Fire Department, and St. Clair County Sheriff are the latest recipients of the boxes and the hope is to get more sensory boxes in the hands of more departments. Sensory boxes contain items like fidget spinners and small toys that might help those on the spectrum with relaxation during a stressful situation.
Anthony’s Autism Awareness is accepting donations to help buy the items. The boxes cost about $7 each with the goal being to have them in every police car or emergency responder vehicle in St. Clair County.
The mission of the non-profit is to “encourage awareness, acceptance and understanding in the community and offer support and resources to people with autism, and their families”.
More information is on the Anthony’s Autism Awareness Facebook page.
Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland
