South Shore police partner with families supporting neurodivergent children: What to know

COHASSET − Candice Hartford's job of mothering twin autistic boys became much more difficult when the pandemic hit in early 2020.

The familiar routines of school evaporated overnight, and in-person therapy sessions were suspended. Suddenly, it became harder to access the support networks she had relied on and confusing for the children who relied on those services.

Inspired by the hardship, Hartford started Raising Harts in Cohasset, a nonprofit that provides mentoring and other services to South Shore families of neurodivergent children. In August 2022, Kaitlyn Litchfield, of Marshfield, attended a Raising Harts event at the Cohasset Sailing Club. When her autistic son, Camden, saw the sign welcoming neurodivergent families placed out front, he said, "Look Mom, we can go here." Litchfield is now vice-president of the organization.

"We're two moms on a mission. We have a lot of hustle and passion," Litchfield said of herself and Hartford.

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This Autism Awareness Month, observed in April, they are teaming up with the Cohasset Police Department to educate the public and raise money for Raising Harts. Several other police departments in the region are soliciting donations and directing them to organizations serving those with atypical neurological function.

One in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, the latest estimate by the Center for Disease Control says. Autism is a developmental condition that can impact a person's communication, relationships and self-regulation.

Cohasset police are distributing special Autism Acceptance patches featuring a rainbow infinity sign for $10 donations. Contributions will help pay for Raising Harts' many programs and events.

South Shore police departments step up for those with autism

An increasing number of police departments, including Cohasset's, now carry sensory kits on patrols. Because many people with autism experience hypersensitivity to strong stimuli, the bright lights, sirens and the anxious situations of some service calls can prove overwhelming. The kits, which include noise-canceling ear muffs, light sensitivity glasses, stress reducing fidget toys and weighted blankets, aim to help officers serve local communities more inclusively.

"Having sensory kits in our cruisers helps us help every member of our community," Sgt. Patrick Reardon said. "I have used it and was amazed how it almost instantly calmed the child we were trying to assist."

Other South Shore police departments are also distributing the special patches in exchange for donations. Hingham police will donate money raised to several charities, including the SNAP Partnership and Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. Police Chief David Jones said in a statement that his officers are trained on working with people with autism and on how to respond to calls where someone may be on the autism spectrum. All of the Hingham police cruisers have sensory kits.

"Autism is something that touches many families throughout the state, including Hingham," Sgt. Nicholas Smith said. "We, as a department, care for that community and that group, and we want to do whatever we can to help."

Smith said the dispatch center at the station keeps an Exceptional Needs Registry, which provides the opportunity for families to give vital information about people with disabilities like contact information or where a family member may go if they run away. Families fill out a form that is then stored in a database to enable responding officers to assist.

In addition to Cohasset and Hingham, Weymouth, Hull and Hanover will also participate in Autism Awareness Month through the sale of special patches.

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Litchfield said that the Cohasset Police Department has updated last year's "Autism Awareness" patch to this year's "Autism Acceptance" patch, a movement within the community to destigmatize diagnosis.

"It was more work, but (Cohasset Police) didn't care," Litchfield said. "They wanted to do it right."

According to the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, the word "awareness" has historically been associated with pathologies, whereas neurodiversity is something to celebrate and accept through inclusive programs and accommodations. This year's patch changed its symbolism as well as its language.

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Advocates say that the former logo, a puzzle piece, implied that autism is a mystery that needs to be solved. The new rainbow infinity symbol emphasizes the community's diversity and potential instead, she said.

"Cohasset Police Department has a long and proud tradition of working with local groups that help our officers understand autism and ensure a positive outcome at calls for service," Cohasset Police Chief William Quigley said.

Raising Harts will hold its next event April 29 at Hingham Pediatric Dentistry. Families with a neurodivergent child are invited for a "practice run" to get familiar with the space, instruments and staff before an actual checkup and cleaning.

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Reporter Joel Barnes contributed to this report. Reach Peter Blandino at pblandino@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Cohasset nonprofit, police support neurodiversity: What to know