NewsYour Health MattersAutism Speaks

Actions

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office hosts autism awareness event in Wellington

Agency works to build bridge between people with autism, law enforcement
People display messages on PBSO cruiser at autism event in Wellington. Feb. 25, 2024.jpg
Posted
and last updated

WELLINGTON, Fla. — Hundreds of families with children living on the autism spectrum came out to an event put together by Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office where they could relax, have some fun, and learn about what resources are available to them.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said families must know the agency has their back by providing information and resources, as well as a space where they can connect positively.

"More times than not when we go to calls involving autism, people acting out and it's not a pleasant encounter," Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. "Today, we get to see each other in a very different setting. There's a lot of vendors here that you see that have services to offer to them."

PBSO Sheriff Ric Bradshaw at autism event in Wellington. Feb. 25, 2024.png
PBSO Sheriff Ric Bradshaw at autism event in Wellington.

Parents who spoke to WPTV, like Raphael and Shawnte Urias, said the information and resources they learned while at the fair is important.

"You can network and talk to other parents about their experiences and learn about different places that they can go," Raphael said. "They can find a little bit of rest and you know, just basically find out how to get things done, because when you get into it, it's overwhelming."

Raphael and Shawnte Urias are parents of a child on the autism spectrum. Feb. 25, 2024.png
Raphael and Shawnte Urias are parents of a child on the autism spectrum.

They also created Next Level Sensory, a service where parents can receive monthly resources, activities and supplies tailored for children living with autism.

Autism Speaks

Device uses eye-tracking technology to identify if child is on autism spectrum

Hollani Davis

Deputy Scott Poritz organized the event. He said it's important for parents to know they can count on the agency, and see their badge and uniform in a different light.

"Building that bridge between law enforcement and the autism community, providing resources of what's available to a lot of these families," he said. "A lot of them might not necessarily know what resources are out there, especially in our Spanish and Haitian communities."

PBSO deputies participate in autism event in Wellington. Feb. 25, 2024.jpg
PBSO deputies participate in autism event in Wellington.

FAU CARD staff, community provider agencies and vendors also offered information and important resources for families.

The event was held at Village Park.

Autism event in Wellington. Feb. 25, 2024.jpg
Autism event in Wellington.