Thomasville Fire and Rescue receives donation of Autism Response Kits
Thomasville Fire & Rescue graciously received the donation of multiple Autism Response Kits from the Greensboro Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation today. These kits will provide Thomasville’s neurodivergent population the comfort and education they need to help prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety on emergency scenes. This project is the direct result of Holden Pardue’s Eagle Scout Project. Holden is a Life Scout with Troop 600 in Greensboro, see the following link for details of Holden's Eagle Scout Project (https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/.../life-scout-on.../). Pictured (L-R) Hanna Johnson (Greensboro Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation), Harrison Hall (Thomasville Fire & Rescue), Fire Chief Jason Myers (Thomasville Fire & Rescue).
What’s in the kits
Finger Labyrinth: Focusing on breathing has a powerful calming effect. The finger labyrinth can help the user pay attention to each breath in and each breath out, using both visual stimulation and touch.
Firefighter Social Story: This comic book-like laminated sheet explains in easy-to-digest story form what is going on and helps those on the autism spectrum understand what first responders are doing and how they can help.
Weighted Blanket: These blankets have a calming impact. Holden included a smaller weighted blanket that can be draped over shoulders or across one’s chest if they are lying down for a soothing affect.
Fidget Spinner, Spiky Sensory Ball, Bubble Popper and Bubbles: These four toys are designed to allow people to “fidget” in a way that is calming. Sensory toys help people on the spectrum engage with their senses and regulate their sensory needs.
