Supporting First Responders in Caring for Individuals with Autism

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - A pair from eastern Iowa is educating emergency personnel on providing proper care for individuals with autism, along with offering materials to assist them at no cost.

Shawn Snaith, a specialist in emergency medical services, states that numerous initial aid providers do not have the necessary resources to assist everyone affected by traumatic incidents.

This is why he and his wife Elizabeth established the Snaith Family ASD sensory initiative.

Each month, the Snaiths are working with the Dubuque Fire Department, offering these sensory kits at no cost.

The kits include noise-reducing headphones, eyewear, anxiety-relief tools, and additional items. They are created to help ease patients' nerves in urgent situations.

Approximately 1 out of every 31 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Firefighters from Dubuque state that with these sensory devices available, the department is now able to assist everyone more effectively during emergencies.

And for the Snaith family, that is their greatest aspiration.