HARRISBURG – The PA State Police received 445 Autism Sensory Aid Bags from the Collaborative Autism Movement to equip all PSP stations with at least five sensory aid bags. The bags were created to support persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The bags contain items which help reduce anxiety, encourage self-regulation, and provide comfort during emergency and non-emergency interactions with law enforcement. Having the resources available helps emergency responders better serve individuals with autism and other sensory processing differences while fostering safer, more positive interactions. The bags include headphones, weighted blanket, sunglasses, non-verbal communication board, timer, fidget items, and a quick reference guide to using the items. PSP also offers free information cards that can be carried by people with autism and presented during any encounter with law enforcement. The informational cards alert law enforcement officers that the individual has autism and therefore may be nonverbal, bothered by loud noises, hyper-sensitive to touch, and unresponsive to commands or questions. The officers are directed to be patient, use a calm and direct voice, and keep their questions and commands simple.
