Elevate the Spectrum of New Mexico recently presented “hero bags” to personnel from the Rio Rancho Public Schools and the Sandoval County Sheriff's and Fire Departments in an effort to help first responders deal with people on the autism spectrum experiencing a crisis.
"We're trying to bridge the communication gap," Christina Martinez, president of Elevate The Spectrum of New Mexico, said at a presentation that included Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and Sandoval County Commissioner Dave Heil.
According to KOAT 7 News, the “hero bags” included a whiteboard and dry erase marker because those on the autism spectrum can find speaking difficult in stressful situations, fidget toys to distract and calm them, and noise-canceling earmuffs and sunglasses to prevent overstimulation.
The presentation took place at a McDonald's restaurant in Rio Rancho, owned by Clemy Garza, whose son is on the autism spectrum and had a "traumatic event with police officers."
The problem for many first responders, Martinez said, is they are unfamiliar with autism and equate certain behaviors with the use of dangerous drugs or mental illness.
"With this support, they may be better able to help this person through a difficult time without resorting to worst-case scenarios," Martinez told KOAT 7 News.
Martinez said her nonprofit, Elevate The Spectrum of New Mexico, is distributing "hero bags" statewide.
"We'd love to make it available nationally," she said, according to KOAT 7 News. "It's the beginning of a wonderful thing we're doing here, and we hope it goes further."
