Autism (ASD), Fragile-X syndrome (FXS), and other neurodevelopmental disorders don’t come with a handbook. As a caretaker of an individual with ASD, much of the learning must take place on the job and requires continual attention to detail.
Horton, a mother of a child with severe autism stated “You start seeing a need for awareness and education about the autism spectrum everywhere in the public” specifically referring to environments that lead to overstimulation and sensory meltdown. As an EMT, Horton turned to her own line of work to make the experience better for children with ASD as ambulances are stereotypical over stimulating environments. This led to her developing “sensory kits” that include weighted blankets, noise-canceling ear muffs, and communication tools. As awareness and acceptance for ASD and other disorders are increasing, we are seeing an increased communal effort to educate, to improve, and to help. Although many individual efforts, such as this one by a caring mother, are making serious headway much work needs to be done.This effort needs everyone doing what they can to support those in need.