WCVB Highlights William James College and Flutie Foundation Conference

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism (Flutie Foundation), a leading non-profit in the autism community, partnered with the William James College Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health to host a Law Enforcement and Autism Co-Response Collaboration on Friday, May 2nd from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. WCVB's Jennifer Eagan attended the event and interviewed conference organizers, including Dr. Sarah Abbott, Director of the Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health at William James College. Abbott spoke about the importance of helping local law enforcement officers, first responders, co-response clinicians, and Autism providers expand their knowledge of best practices that can be utilized when working with people and in the autism community.

Watch the full interview, Personal experience drives Massachusetts police officer’s autism education efforts. 

About the Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health

The Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health (CRBH) provides training and education to law enforcement and mental health professionals on effective response methods for encounters with individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric, substance-related, or mental health crisis. Programs address a critical need for reimagining and expanding roles and opportunities in public safety and seek to create effective partnerships between mental health and law enforcement.

About the Flutie Foundation

Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Flutie Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Their personal experience of raising a son on the autism spectrum inspired them to help others on an equally long and challenging journey. Over its 25-plus-year history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, respite services, recreational programs, social skills training, job supports and more for people with autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.

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