New Program Supports LI's Neuro Divergent Adults Living Independently

BAY SHORE, NY — New York has the third highest rate of adults living with autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

To better serve Long Island's neurodiverse individuals, the Suffolk County Police Department has partnered with Autism Communities to launch the New Friend Responders Campaign, which to "build relationships between first responders and neurodiverse community living independently."

On Monday, Suffolk County Acting Police Commissioner Robert Waring and Doreen Jaggs of Autism Communities, a non-profit that helps neurodiverse individuals find housing on Long Island, announced the campaign at a press conference in Bay Shore.

According to the police department, the Friend Responders campaign provides opportunities in a "casual setting" for first responders to meet with neurodiverse individuals living on their own. The introductions serve to prevent "misinterpretations" between law enforcement and autistic adults during a emergency interactions.

"Through education, training and human connection, the Friend Responders campaign will foster mutual understanding and trust between neurodiverse individuals and emergency responders," Jaggs explained at the press conference.

The goal, Waring said, is simple—when an autistic adult begins living independently, a police officer will meet with them to establish a connection and therefore a better understanding in times of crisis.

Steven Niciforo, a new resident of North District Lofts in Bay Shore, spoke to the crowd too.

"I am happy that Autism Communities has developed the Friend Responders campaign," he said. "Living on my own is a new challenge, but knowing that I can call someone in the even of an emergency and see a friendly face truly creates a level of supports and confidence that makes me feel secure in my new living environment."