Merrick County first responders receive autism sensory kits

CENTRAL CITY, NE — First responders in Merrick County are now better equipped to encounter someone with autism.

The Autism Action Partnership donated 16 sensory kits to the the county on Tuesday - one for every sheriff’s vehicle and ambulance. Education and Outreach Coordinator Wendy Andersen says the kits can help build a connection between authorities and an autistic person. They also help diffuse a stressful situation.

“If the law enforcement is able to bring in these items that are truly able to help them to either decrease the stimulus of what’s happening, or maybe they need to increase the stimulus and get them playing with something so they can help them through the situation,” Andersen said.

Tuesday’s donation is a direct follow-up to Autism Action Partnership’s first responder training event in Kearney last month. The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office attended and requested the kits shortly after. They include a laminated communication card, headphones, sunglasses, stress ball and fidget toys.