It is a safe guess that most of us reconsidered our priorities in life over the past year. For many of us, that focus has zoned in on giving back to the community and others in need. If you have been unsure of where to help out, AMUSE4Autism would be a great start.
Founded in January 2020, AMUSE4Autism (Advocating Maintaining Unity with Special needs and Everyone) supports people with autism and special-needs through art, music, and kindness. Their main goal is to educate all first responders, firefighters, police officers, and community members about autistic behaviors and what it may, or may not, look like. The group aims to do that by providing the community with the words and definitions that can be a valuable asset in special circumstances.
AMUSE4Autism has created their first basic awareness and training video which has been distributed to every first responder, fire department, and police department in the cities of Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley. The video teaches first responders how to acknowledge and help people with autism or special needs. As a response, the foundation received an award of proclamation from Mayor Kim Carr in Huntington Beach and Mayor Michael Vo in Fountain Valley.
TO CHECK OUT THE TRAINING VIDEO
TRAINING VIDEO
The organization has also donated four murals to the city of Huntington Beach as a way to start conversations about autism in the community, and educate residents that not all special needs are visible, but art, music, and kindness are universal languages.
AMUSE4Autism Banner
AMUSE4Autism is 501 C3 certified and are run solely off donations and grants. In addition to the videos and murals, they provide “sensory friendly” engagement days for individuals of all abilities.
The foundation has partnered with Port View Preparatory’s Dr. Melaura Erickson-Tomaino and Dr. Edward Miguel for the clinical team, and has BCBA Denice Ibenaz on staff to assist with volunteers. AMUSE4Autism has volunteer opportunities for individuals going to school and in the field of special needs, and even high school students.
You will have multiple opportunities to check out AMUSE4Autism in person this summer:
This weekend (June 27th), they will be fundraising to create tents for the kids and families of special needs by hosting an event at Gallagher’s in Huntington Beach. From noon to midnight, there will be a variety of bands and musical acts, food, drinks, art demonstrations, and raffles, all for a small five dollar donation at the door.
AMUSE4Autism EVENT BANNER
Then on July 2nd through the 4th, AMUSE4Autism will be at the Huntington Beach Fourth of July celebration will their sensory safety tent, plus they will be in the parade.
