How Kim & Gina started their autism training program — as told by Kim.

I have been an auxiliary volunteer (non-firefighter/EMS role) with our local fire department for a few years now. My teenage daughter got her Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification from our station and upon completion, I asked her if she had any autism training, as my oldest son has autism. “No.” I asked to see her EMR textbook. I looked in the index under “A." Nothing about autism. I asked the firefighter training captain & EMS chief at the station if they incorporated any autism training in their curriculum: “Unfortunately, no.” I thought, How can there be no autism training for these first responders?

So I got busy and put together a PPT. I worked on it diligently (I had very dirty toilets and lots of laundry piled up), adding things from my own knowledge from having an autistic son, plus doing a TON of research. I then showed it to the same training captain and EMS chief on separate occasions, asking if I could possibly conduct some training to both the firefighters and EMS. I got a HUGE thumbs up from both of them - something to the effect of, “Let’s do it! I think this is a great idea!” I was elated!! The EMS chief told me that he could send my PPT to the EMS coordinator from Centura Health whom they worked with (he said her name was Gina) and get continuing education credits set up for the attendees to receive. Wow, this was becoming real!!

He told me a bit later that he spoke with Gina and she was unbelievably supportive, as she, too, had an autistic child. Wow! What a coincidence!! The next thing I knew, Gina emailed me directly, asking ever-so-kindly if I would possibly want to partner with her in doing this training. She explained that she had an older son on the spectrum, but that she was also a paramedic and could bring real-world case studies to the content I already had.

Um, YES, PLEASE!!!

I was all over that since I was in an auxiliary role with the fire department and had no firefighter or EMS background. She essentially filled a gap I didn’t know I had.

We met for lunch and talked non-stop. I truly believe that when you meet another parent who has an autistic child, you are kindred spirits. It’s an immediate bond because you “get” each other — you’ve been there, done that, got the tattoo. We talked about our autism journeys, and although very different, were still so similar.

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After presenting to fire, EMS, search & rescue, and law enforcement, we have since expanded our audience base and now present to more audiences than just first responders.

Our approach has two components:

1. Foundational: overview of autism, communication & behavioral signs, and how to interact with autistic individuals. (Kim’s part)

2. Interactive: hands-on activities and case studies of real-world scenarios & how to handle them. (Gina’s part)

Let’s face it - autism is a heavy topic. Our goal is to make attendees remember those communication & behavioral traits, those key strategies when interacting, simply stated — how to help. If our presentations are fun and interactive (which they are!), attendees are more likely to be engaged and retain what’s been presented.

We also distribute handouts at the beginning of class. Their purpose is two-fold: 1) to follow along during the training and 2) take home for referencing later. They contain key background information, strategies for interacting, plus links to various autism Websites as additional resources.

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Our research is constant — our eyes & ears are always open — news articles, therapy approaches, autism non-profit foundations, mobile apps, sensory toys, blogs, talking to folks, you name it. We have a vested interest because it’s personal for us — if more of the world knows about autism, people can be a little more kind, autistic persons can feel more understood, meltdowns can be averted, and most importantly, lives can be saved. To be honest, we’re always thinking of our own sons.

We are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with autism AND those who interact with them. Let’s foster a more inclusive and understanding society, together.

Learn more about our services.