First responders connect with keiki at Mililani autism safety event

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Oahu first responders and community members joined together for the Autism Awareness and Community Safety event in Mililani Saturday.

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The free event was held at Mililani Park Plaza and aimed to bring autistic children and their families together with first responders to help children feel more comfortable ahead of an emergency.

Honolulu Police, firefighters, Schofield Barracks military police and Wheeler Army Airfield firefighters were among those present to help children of all abilities feel more comfortable with first responders and build relationships based on familiarity and trust by asking questions and seeing their uniforms and equipment.

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The event was designed as a sensory-aware environment, allowing children to have low sensory stimulation, calm spaces and supportive staff available.

Organizers said children and families also had the opportunity to share feedback, experiences, communication preferences, sensory needs and concerns related to emergency encounters with first responders.

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