John Brown: Bridging Autism Awareness and Transforming First Responder Training – A Father's Deeply Personal Advocacy Journey

Send us a text Ever wondered how to navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with John Brown, the First Responder Program Manager for the Autism Society of America, and an autistic dad to Wyatt, his non-speaking 8-year-old son. John shares his heartfelt journey, from recognizing the early signs of autism to Wyatt's use of an AAC device for communication. We touch on Wyatt's unique sensory preferences, the hurdles with textures and lighting, and how these factors shape their family's dynamics, especially in co-parenting with John's ex-wife. John's personal anecdotes provide a raw and real perspective that any parent or caregiver can relate to. What happens when law enforcement encounters an autistic individual? John dives deep into the pressing need for autism awareness within the police force, EMTs, and firemen. Through his role, he has spearheaded the Autism Society of America's first responder training program, which educates officers on autism and effective de-escalation techniques. We recount a real-life incident where an autistic young man was mistakenly taken to a police precinct, shedding light on the gaps in understanding. Discover how this training program, developed with input from law enforcement, parents, and autism experts, is being customized for various communities and garnering positive feedback from officers eager to improve their interactions with autistic individuals. Patience and acceptance are more than virtues—they're necessities. We emphasize the importance of treating others as we wish to be treated, acknowledging that behaviors are temporary and should not define people. From understanding the emotional intensity experienced by autistic individuals to simply asking if someone needs assistance, small acts of compassion can make a significant difference. This episode is a powerful testament to the impact of empathy and education in creating a more inclusive society. Tune in and be inspired by John Brown's wisdom and dedication to fostering better understanding and support for the autism community. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.