The sensory friendly event will include free food, games and demonstrations,” said Sheriff Roger Harris.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized in varying degrees by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behavior. Autism prevalence is now one in every 68 children in America, according to National Autism Awareness Month. Wandering is common among many with autism and other cognitive disorders.
Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Project Lifesaver, the nonprofit education and training program that includes tracking techniques and technology for the search and rescue of individuals with cognitive disorders.
Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. “Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes,” Project Lifesaver said. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver clients average 30 minutes, which is 95 percent less time than standard operations.
Project Lifesaver is available through the Fredericksburg Police Department, and the Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George and Caroline County Sheriff’s Offices.
