KATY, Texas — A new partnership between Willowfork Fire Department and Texas ABA Centers is helping reshape how first responders prepare to serve individuals with autism and other neurodiverse conditions—before an emergency ever happens.
The department has announced the launch of its Autism Awareness Training for First Responders, the first program of its kind in the area. The initiative is designed to provide firefighters and other public safety professionals with practical tools to better recognize, communicate with, de-escalate, and respond to individuals with autism while strengthening relationships with families and caregivers throughout the community.
The program is part of Willowfork Fire Department’s ongoing commitment to Community Risk Reduction (CRR), an approach that focuses on preventing emergencies and improving outcomes through education, partnerships, and proactive community engagement…