Responding 2 Autism

Today, students across the State of Florida are returning to school, and that means thousands of School Resource Officers are once again back on campuses, standing watch over the safety of our children.

If you haven’t already, take a moment this school year to introduce yourself and your child to your school’s SRO. A simple introduction and a sincere “thank you” can mean more than you know. 💙

While they may not always be in the spotlight, School Resource Officers are an important part of your child’s school day. On average, they are on campus alongside your children for nearly seven hours a day, five days a week, building relationships, mentoring students, responding to emergencies, and, most importantly, helping ensure every child makes it home safely.

As you send in those thoughtful notes, gift cards, and treats to thank your child’s teachers this year, remember the men and women wearing the badge as well. They are not only protecting your school 🏫 they are protecting what matters most.

👉 To every School Resource Officer across Florida: THANK YOU for your service, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to keeping our children safe. Have a safe and successful school year. 💙🚔🍎

“the more we know the better we do”

Check out this post by “Disability Advocacy and Support Specialist” 👇

Attend the next Gather and Grow activity to be entered into a raffle for FREE SWIM LESSONS!!! 🤿

🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️🎟️ ATTEND THE NEXT GATHER AND GROW activity to be entered into a raffle for FREE SWIM LESSONS!!!

This is a monthly South Florida meet‑up for parents of children with disabilities ages 1–12. This group is designed to help parents connect with others who truly understand the journey, while giving our kids a chance to socialize in fun, inclusive environments and local community spots.

Our next Gather & Grow meetup is on Saturday 8/15 from 3:30-4:30PM at Young At Art - Main Museum- Inside the Broward Mall.

Address: 8000 W Broward Mall Blvd Unit 1208 Plantation FL 33388 **Admission is $12 per person for children & adults, under age 2 is free.

There will be lots of fun interactive exhibits our children can explore while the parents have a chance to connect and build our community together.

To join us, please register using this link and feel free to share with others who would be interested.

https://forms.gle/TMqzRs1BKRJ7UE3o9

*Please note: Parents and/or caregivers must remain with and supervise their children at all times. This gathering is simply an opportunity for families to connect, we do not provide additional adult support.
We look forward to making new connections and having fun!
For any questions, please call Kristine Petersen at 954-609-0257 or email [email protected]

We continue to be thrilled with the outpouring of love for these deputies.
“the more we know the better we do” 🚔💙🚔

Specialized autism training helps BSO deputies reunite man with his family - New Pelican By Diane Emeott-Korzen | New Pelican Writer A man who has autism “eloped” (was wandering the streets alone) wearing only black boxer shorts when two Parkland BSO (Broward Sheriff’s Office) deputies responded to the suspicious call. Upon finding him, the man did not respond to questions asked b...

Shout out to our favorite local newspaper, The New Pelican, for shining a light on these incredible deputies from our neighbors in Broward County. 💙🚔💙

👉 Click here to read the article: https://www.newpelican.com/pageview/viewer/2026-07-30 =21

Some memories are simply too awesome to leave in the past.

Each Tuesday, we open another Time Capsule and look back at a training or even that helped shape the journey of Responding 2 Autism.
💙🚔❤️🚒💛🚌🧡🚑💙

🕰️ This week’s Time Capsule opens in 2020 at the Bradenton Police Department. Whether it’s a training or a City Commission meeting, we truly enjoy visiting this amazing community.

These moments remind us not only of the communities we’ve been honored to serve, but also of how far Dalton and Martin Jr. have come.

We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of first responders, educators, firefighters, EMS professionals, community leaders, and friends who have welcomed us into their agencies and helped make this mission possible.

Thank you for being part of our story. 💙

“the more we know, the better we do”

Together, through education, awareness, and prevention, we can save lives.

“the more we know the better we do”

Responding 2 Autism was honored today to recognize two outstanding deputies from the Parkland District of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

A few weeks ago, Sergeant Marc Kiar shared a memorandum with us regarding two Parkland deputies who were being considered for Employee of the Month. 💙 Deputy Billisi and 💙Deputy LoMonaco were recognized for safely engaging with and bringing home an individual with autism who had wandered away from home.

👉 These deputies did everything right.

They took the time to establish an alternative form of communication with a nonverbal individual, created a calm and reassuring environment, and made that person feel safe, understood, and respected throughout the encounter.

When Sergeant Kiar reached out to us, he shared that the deputies credited, in part, the training they received from Responding 2 Autism with helping prepare them for this successful outcome.

There is no greater compliment than hearing that our training made a difference when it mattered most.

We may have provided the tools, but Deputy Billisi and Deputy LoMonaco are the ones who used those tools with professionalism, compassion, and extraordinary skill. They are the true heroes of this story.

Today, Dalton and Martin Jr. had the privilege of presenting each deputy with an official 💙 Responding 2 Autism T-shirt, a Mission BBQ gift card, and a few small tokens of our appreciation. It was our way of saying thank you for making such a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

We want to thank Lieutenant Gelske, Sergeant Kiar, Deputy Billisi, Deputy LoMonaco, along with all of the incredible men and women serving the Parkland community for allowing us to share in this special recognition.

Thank you for Responding 2 Autism with kindness, patience, and compassion.

“the more we know, the better we do” 🚔💙🚒♥️

Some memories 🧐 are simply too awesome to leave in the past.

Each Tuesday, we open another Time Capsule and look back at a training, event or moment that helped shape the journey of Responding 2 Autism.
💙🚔❤️🚒💛🚌🧡🚑💙

🕰️ This week’s Time Capsule opens in 1989 at the Pompano Beach Police Department 🚔

Now this memory is unique because Dalton and Martin Jr. had not arrived yet. They would not arrive for almost two decades but it was the year Martin Sr. was sworn-in as a first responder. 🚔💙🚔

His path and decision to protect and serve in 1989 would shape our lives in ways we never could have imagined. My incredible husband’s dedication to his community and his love for his sons is the reason Responding 2 Autism 💙 is able to do what we do today.

Thank you for being part of our story.

“the more we know, the better we do”

Big SHOUT OUT 📢 to the Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation department for hosting a fantastic event for adults with unique abilities this past Saturday night.
💙💃🪩🕺🎸🎹🎵 🎶🎤💙
“Magic awaits PROM NIGHT” Responding 2 Autism was honored to be a part of this incredible evening.