Big Island nonprofit works to enhance safety for people with autism, other developmental disabilities

Rosalinda Larkin, president of the Autism Support and Disability Center, has devoted nearly all her free time over the past eight years to enhancing safety for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. Now, she is eager to see the impact of her efforts.

In 2021, Larkin founded the Autism Support and Disability Center, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping individuals with autism communicate their needs and receive appropriate assistance in emergencies or unfamiliar situations. It also aids families in accessing professional resources, particularly during crises.

“I knew I needed to do something after my son, who has autism, was injured by a police officer, even though he was not committing a crime and was not violent,” Larkin said. “I realized this experience could happen to anyone and that many families and caregivers haven’t taught their loved ones with autism how to react when approached by police officers.”

Larkin didn’t want others to face similar situations, so she has spent the past four years working to improve safety for Big Island residents with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Prompted by her son’s encounter with law enforcement, Larkin began collaborating closely with the Hawaiʻi County Police Department, becoming an educator for the department’s Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).

“We want to prevent people with disabilities from getting hurt, and partnering with the Hawaiʻi Police Department has been amazing, but there is still a long way to go,” Larkin said. “Those who have been educated now know to have compassion, empathy, and knowledge when responding to crises.”

Larkin has developed the Alert Card for First Responders, a free, informational card designed to aid paramedics, police, and other first responders when addressing emergencies involving people with specific needs.

The information on the alert cards is confidential and used solely for emergencies. The cards are not intended for identifying the holder as a person with a disability for other purposes.

To accommodate various privacy preferences, Larkin has created three versions of the alert card, including one that does not disclose personal information.

“The cards provide safety and peace of mind for people with autism and other disabilities, their families, and caregivers,” Larkin said. “An alert card is helpful for first responders to identify health conditions and know how to assess them during an encounter.”

On Saturday, the Autism Support and Disability Center will host the 5th Annual Autism Walk to commemorate Autism Awareness Month. This event aims to raise awareness about autism and promote inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

This year’s event will also feature role-play scenarios between first responders and volunteers as a method to educate attendees on identifying and approaching a person with a developmental disability who may be experiencing an emergency.

“While it’s crucial for officers to be aware of these situations, but it’s also important to educate everyone on the best ways to respond to officers when approached,” Larkin said. “Police are trained to respond in certain ways, so if we can teach individuals with disabilities how to reach for their cards or what to say, that will help keep them safe.”

Individuals with autism or their caregivers interested in obtaining an alert card will receive a training manual and participate in a two-hour virtual training with Larkin to learn best practices for using the card.

“Understanding tools like the alert card and the needs of the autism community helps create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone,” Larkin said. “The alert card will work for some, but it may not be the best option for others. Either way, my goal is to reduce moments of trauma and facilitate communication for individuals with a developmental disability who want to feel comfortable in the world.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 31 children in the United States is identified with autism spectrum disorder, reflecting increased awareness, screening, and access to diagnostic services. In Hawaiʻi, thousands of individuals and families are affected by autism and other developmental disabilities.

The 5th Annual Autism Walk will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo student plaza. The role-play scenarios will follow the walk, along with a lunch for all attendees. Interested individuals will also be able to register for more information on obtaining an alert card with Larkin.

Throughout the event, informational booths from organizations such as The Arc of Hilo and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Hawaiʻi will provide resources on safety tools and support services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

For more information on the Autism Support and Disability Center, the alert cards, or to volunteer for the Autism Walk, email Larkin at rxlarkin@yahoo.com.