Blue Bridge Autism Training

Thank you, Think Differently, Orange County, New York, and Orange County Sheriff's Office, New York for your dedication and service. It’s an honor to work with you!

Today we celebrate the invaluable contributions of autistic people to communities worldwide. We support and emphasize that all are able to shape their own lives and help to shape our shared future.
In support of World Autism Day, Sheriff Arteta is highlighting our Blue Envelope Program. A voluntary tool designed to support neurodiverse drivers during police interactions. This program specifically enhances communication and reduces the potential for misunderstandings between law enforcement and drivers with autism during traffic stops. The Blue Envelope Program serves as a valuable resource for commuters in Orange County. Simple to use; the driver of the vehicle just needs to hand the officer the designated blue envelope that contains a copy of their driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance card. Each kit comes with the blue envelope, instruction card and an optional window decal. The decal will let law enforcement know that the driver is a blue envelope participant and prompt them to ask for the blue envelope.
The program can be found in any DMV Office in Orange County and at the Sheriff's Office. To request a kit by mail, please email [email protected].

April is Autism Awareness Month, and as a search and rescue team, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how we continue to learn, grow, and better serve our entire community.

We’re still incredibly inspired by the presentation from Blue Bridge Autism Training and Captain (Ret.) Jerry Turnings this past November. The knowledge he shared left a lasting impact on our team, reinforcing the importance of understanding, communication, and preparedness when working with individuals on the autism spectrum.

What made it even more impactful was the collaboration—fire departments, police officers, EMS, and other search and rescue teams joined together for this training. It was a powerful reminder that when we learn together, we respond stronger together.

Trainings like these don’t just make us better responders. They strengthen our ability to connect, support, and advocate. They empower not only our team, but the entire community, by building awareness and fostering safer, more informed interactions.

We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from such impactful leaders and remain committed to ongoing education that helps us serve everyone with compassion, respect, and effectiveness.

Chiefs,

The customized "Autism Awareness" patches and vehicle wraps are nice gestures.

They are welcomed and appreciated. Truly.
They are also not enough.

It's past time to move beyond "awareness."

Right now, your officers are making critical, split-second decisions that will impact their careers and forever alter the lives of individuals and families. They are making those decisions based on limited information and relying on the training you provide.

Let me help them.

Thank you, Chief Bryan, and the outstanding professionals of the Madisonville Police Department (Kentucky), for your commitment to your community. It is an honor to work with you!

Just over two weeks until GO TIME!

This is your sign to make the jump, GET IN THE GAME, be the change, and create the world we all dream about for our loved ones.

2 hours per day for 4 days. I'll teach you everything you need to know to teach First Responders about our loved ones and have a real impact.

Link to details in the comments.

Thanks, TJ. See you for round #3! ;)

There is a reason why my program has been described as "the best training I have received in my career" by cops and first responders across the country.

I have no magical insights into autism; I am not a particularly gifted orator. It's because I understand what they need to know, I respect the job, and I truly care about both sides of this equation.

You know autism. I know how to teach cops. Let's work together and drive REAL, MEANINGFUL change for our families.

Join the team! 24 Days to go. Energy is high around this class, and seats are filling fast.

Link to more details in the comments.

Blue Bridge Instructor Course #6 is here!

Be the change. Join us in this movement!

We now have over 50 Instructors from all walks of life: Cops, Parents, EMTs, Paramedics, Firefighters, SAR Professionals, and even a Chaplain.

We WILL reach every first responder in the country.
We WILL teach them about our loved ones.
We WILL respect the challenges and realities of their jobs.
We WILL drive change.

It's not about just delivering information (that's the easy part). It's about generating buy-in from those we most need to understand. That's my wheelhouse. I'll teach you everything I know.

(Yes, this is for you)

(Link to more info in comments)