About First Response Autism
Our Mission
To bridge the gap between autism understanding and first responder training, ensuring every individual with autism receives appropriate, respectful service from law enforcement and other first responders. As founder of First Response Autism, my personal mission is driven by the belief that proper training enhances officer safety while building community trust and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.
As both a school principal at a school for learners with autism and grandmother of a 7-year-old on the spectrum, I am committed to translating real-world autism expertise into practical, field-tested techniques that first responders can use immediately. Every officer trained becomes an advocate for individuals with autism in our communities.
Our History
The journey to founding First Response Autism combines professional expertise, personal experience, and community observation.
Professional Foundation: Founder Jennifer Kaufman, a school principal specializing in autism education at EPIC School in Paramus, NJ, has worked for 20 years directly with individuals with autism, their families, and multidisciplinary support teams. Jennifer's daily experience spans the full spectrum of autism presentations—from nonverbal students who communicate through behavior to highly articulate individuals with specific sensory needs.
Personal Motivation: Being the grandmother of a 7-year-old on the spectrum has deepened Kaufman's understanding of the daily realities families face and the fears we carry about how our loved ones will be treated by first responders. Will officers understand that her grandchild's lack of eye contact isn't defiance? Will they recognize that repetitive movements are self-regulation, not aggression? These aren't theoretical concerns—they're personal realities that fuel our commitment.
Community Inspiration: During summers spent 'down the shore', Jen witnessed well-meaning police officers struggling to communicate with individuals with autism who were lost, distressed, or exhibiting behaviors that could be easily misinterpreted. She saw how traditional law enforcement approaches—while effective in most situations—could inadvertently escalate encounters with autistic individuals.
The convergence of these experiences led Kaufman to develop training that bridges the gap between autism expertise and public safety needs.
Our Services
Core Training Program:
- Comprehensive custom autism awareness training designed specifically for law enforcement and first responders
- Interactive sessions covering recognition, communication, de-escalation, and protocols
- Real-world scenarios based on actual field encounters
- Quick-reference materials for immediate field application
Training Approach:
- Practical Application: Every technique is field-tested and immediately usable
- Respect and Dignity: Emphasizing positive interactions, not just crisis management
- Officer Safety: Enhanced understanding improves safety for everyone involved
- Evidence-Based: Grounded in autism research and educational best practices
Who I Serve:
- Municipal police departments
- County sheriff's offices
- State police units
- Fire departments and EMS
- Campus security
- Search and rescue teams
Post-Training Survey Results:
- 92% of officers rate training "Extremely Useful"
- 100% report increased confidence in autism recognition
- Immediate field application of learned techniques
- Enhanced community relations and officer safety
Flexible Delivery:
- Accommodates shift schedules and department needs
- Customizable content for specific jurisdictional concerns
- Available throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas