Louisa Co, VA: Elem hosts "Autism Awareness Festival" for first responders

June 11, 2025, The Virginian: 7th Special Needs and Autism Awareness Festival

More than 400 people came through Moss-Nuckols Elementary School in Louisa on Saturday, June 7, during the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) annual Project First Responder Special Needs and Autism Awareness Festival. LCSO hosted the free event in partnership with Louisa County Public Schools, which provided the venue, and the nonprofit LCSO Foundation, which funded it.  

The Festival was part of the ongoing Project First Responder initiative—an outreach program focused on equipping first responders with tools and training to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Billed as a unique opportunity for families and individuals seeking specialized services, the Festival presented the opportunity for families to sign up for Project First Responder. Lt. Chuck Love, LCSO Special Operations Division, who spearheaded the program, was onsite to assist. 

Project First Responder lets families notify LCSO that a loved one has autism, Alzheimer’s, intellectual development disabilities (AAIDD) or other conditions that might get in the way of communication, Love explained. The goal is to improve communication between law enforcement and the AAIDD community and break down barriers, while teaching first responders what to look out for. Information provided by families to LCSO includes their loved one’s preferred methods of communication and sensory and medical issues, as well as approach and de-escalation techniques.

 “[The information families provide] tells us, ‘This is how they communicate,’” Love said. “It gives us something to work with. For example, if they wander, where do they go? If they are attracted to water, can they swim? What are their favorite songs? A lot of times, autistic kids who are lost won’t come to a stranger, but they might hear a song and come to us.”

According to Love, sometimes people with autism also mimic behaviors that might be seen by law enforcement as criminal. “For example, they might keep a hoodie up because they don’t want to be distracted,” he said. “Or they might be attracted by something shiny, like a mirror, and look in a car window.”

These behaviors might otherwise be considered suspicious, but if first responders have an understanding of the AAIDD community and are aware that someone might have a disability or problem communicating, then they can take appropriate action, he explained.  . . .

“This festival represents what community truly means—coming together to lift one another up, connect families with life-changing resources, and show support for individuals with diverse needs,” stated Sheriff Donald A. Lowe in the release. “We’re honored to provide a safe, welcoming space for all families to enjoy, learn and be celebrated.”

“By participating in or supporting this festival, you help build a more inclusive and connected community for individuals with special needs. Let’s create a world where everyone is celebrated, supported, and connected to the resources they need,” the Facebook event read.

Love said, “I want to make this the premier autism and special needs event in the county.”