DAVIS COUNTY—During the month of April, which is Autism Awareness month, the Autism Council of Utah made it a goal to provide an Autism Sensory Bag for every police patrol car throughout the valley, including Davis County law enforcement agencies. Last week, the council had delivered 450+ Autism Sensory Bags to numerous hospitals, fire departments, police departments and Sheriff's Offices.

“We haven’t had these before,” said Bountiful Police Chief Ed Biehler. “We’ve carried a blanket or stuffed animal for kids. We are excited to get them. We’ve passed them out to all of our officers.”

The bags have things like a fidget spinner, earmuffs and a communication chart with   questions, he said. “They can point to the answer or letter to help people with autism feel more comfortable. They’re definitely geared to children but there are some tools for adults too.”

Every agency is getting more training, said Biehler. “Several are about identifying autism to change some behaviors so that interactions can be better.”

Within the week officers came across two different people that were autistic and gave them a bag, he said. “The officers recognized the need and used the tools in the bag for a more successful interaction.”

“We put one in each of our frontline rigs,” said South Davis Metro Fire EMS Division Chief, Trent Argyle. “Fire engines and ambulances as well. There have been times when we definitely could have used them.”

The Spectrum Academy is in the area, he said. “When we go there we know what we’re dealing with and the family is a great resource of what to do and not to do so that we don’t make the situation worse.”

“We received 55 kits,” said Davis County Sheriff Kelly Sparks. “They’ve been deployed in every patrol vehicle so if a deputy encounters someone with autism they can use those.”

The kits have noise canceling headphones, he said. “Sometimes those with autism have a hard time dealing with noise. There’s also a communication board because they may not be verbal. It’s just another great resource when we encounter folks who have autism.”

Sparks said deputies are trained to recognize someone with autism. “There are some behavioral clues or a family member lets us know the person we’re dealing with has autism. Some are noticeable and some are subtle.”

Sparks said he is grateful to have the kits and to the Autism Council for giving them the resources. “Obviously we want the best outcome. We’re all looking out for their best interest.”