Bridging the Gap
Between the autism community and members of the law enforcement and first responder communities.
Between the autism community and members of the law enforcement and first responder communities.
Training for Law Enforcement and First Responders
We provide small and large group training for police, firefighters, EMT’s, and other first responders regarding how to better interact and understand individuals with autism.
Training for the Autism Community
We provide small and large group training for family members, care givers, and loved ones regarding how to better prepare autistic individuals for interactions with law enforcement and first responders.
What is AuTT?
AuTT is a non-profit company that trains groups and organizations how to interact with individuals on the autism spectrum. AuTT also uses their platform to prepare individuals on the spectrum and their families and caregivers for interactions with law enforcement, first responders and the court system.
Who does AuTT train?
AuTT offers training for law enforcement officers, first responders, lawyers and court employees. AuTT also has training courses for individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and the community, preparing them for possible interactions with law enforcement, first responders and the court system.
How does AuTT train?
AuTT offers simple, straightforward, logic based training. AuTT focuses on basic information sharing, open communication and collaboration.
Where does AuTT train?
AuTT is available to train at your location, in person or online! Contact AuTT for more information. CStehle929@gmail.com
What are AuTT's credentials?
What else should I know about AuTT?
AuTT is a non-profit. All expenses are paid by the trainers, including transportation costs and resources (sensory items, printed materials, etc.) AuTT uses all donations to make training possible! Please consider donating to AuTT.
Training for Law Enforcement and First Responders
We offer specialized training programs tailored for both small and large groups of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders, aimed at enhancing their understanding and interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum. Our training is designed to equip first responders with practical knowledge and strategies to improve communication, de-escalate potential conflicts, and provide more effective and compassionate care to individuals with autism.
We cover a range of topics, including recognizing autism-related behaviors, understanding sensory sensitivities, and developing appropriate responses to different situations. Our programs focus on fostering empathy, patience, and awareness, ensuring that first responders can approach each encounter with a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism.
By participating in this training, first responders will be better prepared to serve and protect all members of their communities, including those with autism, in a way that promotes safety, dignity, and respect. Whether in high-stress emergency situations or routine interactions, our goal is to bridge the gap between first responders and individuals with autism, improving outcomes for everyone involved.
Training for the Autism Community
We offer tailored training programs for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals with autism, designed to better prepare them for interactions with law enforcement and first responders. Our sessions, available in both small and large group formats, focus on equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to guide autistic individuals through potentially stressful encounters with first responders.
Our training emphasizes practical strategies for communication, ensuring that family members and caregivers can help prepare individuals with autism for situations where they may need to engage with police, firefighters, EMTs, or other first responders. We cover topics such as understanding common law enforcement protocols, practicing self-advocacy techniques, and recognizing potential sensory overload triggers that may affect an individual’s response to emergency situations.
By taking part in this training, family members and caregivers will feel more confident in their ability to assist autistic individuals in managing these interactions, reducing anxiety and fostering positive outcomes. Our goal is to empower loved ones with the knowledge they need to help ensure that their family members or clients are better understood and supported when engaging with first responders, promoting both safety and respect.
Jamiel Owens
Jamiel Owens has served his community as a law enforcement officer, a civil servant, and now works as a family relations coordinator for the autism community. Jamiel is a passionate advocate with a focus on empowering fathers in the autism community. He works tirelessly to bring about awareness and acknowledgement to those who often do not have a voice of their own. Jamiel is heavily involved in his non-profit, Ausomeness, Inc, has a podcast called The Ausome Show, is an author, a public speaker, a recipient of many awards for his work as an advocate and a mentor to many. Jamiel is a co-creator of an official course used by the municipal police of Pennsylvania when training officers about autism. Jamiel has been married to Marta for 5 years and is a father to two sons, including a 16-year-old with autism.
Scott E. Bailey
For 39 years, Scott has been a part of the first responder community. In this time, he has been involved with the fire service, EMS, 911 Dispatch and police, both in the community and in a school setting. Along with being a DARE Officer and C.R.I.T. Instructor, Scott works closely with the Alleghany County
(PA) District Attorney’s Office and Project LifeSaver. Scott is proactive in training fellow law enforcement officers about mental health issues faced by police and in the last 15 years, he has developed numerous programs to educate his colleagues across the State of Pennsylvania about autism. As the father of two sons with autism, Scott uses his personal life stories, and the honesty of his families
struggles to strengthen his training. Scott is on the advisory member of the National Consortium on Effective Police Interactions with People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD Consortium) through the IACP and the COPS Office. Scott has been married to his wife, Tina, for 30 years
and is the father of two adult sons.
Cheryl Stehle
As a former teacher and passionate advocate, Cheryl works to bring understanding about autism to the people around her. Her involvement in bridging the gap between individuals with autism and the law enforcement and first responder communities stems from a desire to help others who may not have the time, ability or resources, to speak out on their own behalf. Cheryl relies heavily on her relationships with other advocates as well as members of the law enforcement community, to share a message of hope, cooperation and understanding. Cheryl is a co-creator of an official course used by the municipal police of Pennsylvania when training officers about autism. Cheryl has been married to her husband, Eric, for 28 years and is the mother of three adult children. Her oldest son has autism.
