Building Support for Those with Autism in Your Community

Gaile Valcho discusses autism and the need of first responders when dealing with an autistic person requiring assistance.

MHNRN | Apple Podcasts | Spreaker | Episode #20

Building a Support System for Those with Autism in Your Community

Learn from our guest, Gaile Valcho, support leader for Hands Center for Autism in Cary, North Carolina. 

Founding partners of Hands Center for Autism, she and her husband’s foundation go out into the community to train police departments, first responders,  fire departments and emergency room personnel on how to deal with people with autism in a crisis situation.

Notes from the Episode:

  • Discover who Gaile is and what her foundation, Hands Center for Autism, does within her community.
  • Gaile shares her journey of moving from South Florida to North Carolina and starting the Holly Springs Autism Acceptance Day event to build community resources for autism.
  • Celebrate the growth of the Autism Acceptance Day event, which includes resources, food trucks, and activities for families. Learn how this event has gained significant community participation and support over the years.
  • Gaile discusses the importance of training first responders to recognize and appropriately handle situations involving individuals with autism. Her foundation provides sensory tool bags and training sessions to improve these interactions.
  • Listen in as both speakers talk about the challenges autistic individuals face in encounters with law enforcement and the positive impact of proper training. Gaile shares personal anecdotes and success stories from their training sessions.
  • What is Hands Center for Autism? Gaile talks about her role at the Hands Center for Autism, where she supports families and connects them with resources for their children. The center provides ABA therapy for children with autism.
  • Get practical advice, such as getting medical ID bracelets for children with autism and practicing scenarios to help them communicate effectively with first responders.

Learn more about Gaile and her foundation at www.handscenter.com.

Where to Listen: Available on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

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HEY SIS!

As a devoted pediatrician, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, my focus is on guiding and supporting families who have received an autism or ADHD diagnosis.

I am a PCCI trained life and leadership coach.

– Dr Mary