Monroe County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Steve Hudson, left, Lt. Ryan Devitt, Autism Society of the Florida Keys Executive Director Jill Campbell, and firefighters Rafael Calante, Jamie Barbee, and Will Wright. Campbell provided the crew with sensory boxes for children, especially autistic children, who may be involved in an accident. Photo provided by Monroe County Fire Rescue

Autism Society of the Keys Brings Big Pine Key Station 13 Sensory Boxes for Children

BIG PINE KEY, FL – April is Autism Awareness Month. The Autism Society of the Keys (ASK) Founder and Executive Director Jill Campbell visited Big Pine Key’s Station 13 on Friday to deliver two sensory boxes and bring autism awareness to the crew. ASK has been delivering sensory boxes to all Monroe County Fire Rescue stations to ensure each station is equipped with the right tools for an emergency involving a child, especially a child with autism.

The boxes have different toys specifically designed to help children with autism; however, any child can benefit from the items in the box. The boxes will be kept on hand for emergency calls, one in each station and one in each rescue vehicle. Items in the box include a weighted stuffed animal, textured toy, fidget spinner, a dry erase board (for nonverbal), headphones (sensory to sound), and a mini timer (transition).

Campbell went over the signs and characteristics of autism in children and different ways to help them stay calm or calm down in an emergency. She also went over the history of autism and details about ASK, the nonprofit she created in 2009 when her son was diagnosed. For questions regarding Autism Awareness, Campbell can be reached at 305-942-5172 or AutismSocietyoftheKeys@gmail.com.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]