Autism Awareness Fair Comes To Long Island Thursday

SAYVILLE, NY — Suffolk County is taking steps to offer more support for the neurodiverse community and families.

The Suffolk County Police Department and the partners of the Friend Responders Program will host an Autism Awareness Resource Fair on Thursday, May 1, at 5 p.m. in Sayville. The police department said the fair is a "continuing effort to work together to create a more inclusive community."

More than two dozen organizations will be on-hand to provide helpful information and share resources regarding services and support networks for the neurodiverse community and their families.

According to a press release, the Suffolk County Police Department was the first agency to partner with Autism Communities’ Friend Responders program which is designed to foster mutual understanding and trust between neurodiverse individuals and first responders.

Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina and Deputy Police Commissioner Belinda Groneman will be in attendance. Other organizations participating include Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Suffolk County Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, Playtime Slime, Autism Communities and Positive Community Connections.

The Autism Awareness Resource Fair will take place at the Community Ambulance Company located at 420 Lakeland Ave. in Sayville.