Autism Friendly Seat Belt Covers Alert First Responders to People on the Autism Spectrum

The Norfolk County sheriff distributed seat belt covers to alert first responders that a passenger is on the autism spectrum. Source: NBC 10 News.

Everyone on the autism spectrum is different. Some individuals are nonverbal and some may not like to be touched by loved ones, let alone strangers. This could be frightfully problematic in the event of an accident. Victims may be unable to accept help from first responders, thus putting themselves in more danger. The Norfolk County Sheriff may have found a way to eliminate this predicament altogether.

Norfolk County Sheriff Jerry McDermott, took it upon himself to research ways to better aid individuals on the autism spectrum who were brought into the intake center at his facility. He found the idea for seat belt covers that originally started in England. “From law enforcement, we need to play a role in making sure that we're identifying people, treating them accordingly, and respectfully," McDermott told NBC 10 News.

With the help of the Autism Law Enforcement Coalition, 1,000 seat belt covers were created.They were available at 28 Norfolk County Police Departments, and they ran out in record time! “We're getting calls from Connecticut, Florida, Texas, and Maryland. People want to know where they can get them," McDermott expressed to NBC 10 News.

 Many people find these seat belt covers to be very efficient. Accidents happen, and it's important to be prepared at all times, especially when raising a child with special needs. Dedham resident, Katie Kane-Leach has a 22-year-old daughter with autism that has been in two car accidents while being driven to support groups. 

"I think about it all the time when I'm driving my own car and she's in there. I'm thinking about what would happen," said Kane-Leach to NBC 10 News , "to know she might kick or scream" would be worrisome.

These autism friendly seat belt covers developed by the Norfolk County Sheriff, help ease the worries of parents like Kane-Leach and inform first responders of how to effectively conduct themselves when helping people on the autism spectrum. These seat belt covers were a spectacular idea, and they are in high demand. More will be available in just 4 short weeks!