Denver man donates 1,000th Autism Rescue Kit to Colorado first responders

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — A Denver man is celebrating a major milestone after donating his 1,000th “Autism Rescue Kit” to a Colorado first responder.

Bill Cassel, a retired Denver arborist, started the project in 2020 after seeing a video online of similar kits on the East Coast.

Cassel is a member of the Wheat Ridge Optimist Club, a volunteer group aimed at helping youth in local communities.

“There just seemed to be something missing,” said Cassel, “and it was a simple enough kit to put together and do the research.”

The kits include things like blankets, headphones, and fidget spinners. They also include a communication board, which can be used by people who are nonverbal.

Police officers and firefighters can pass them out in various situations that may cause stress to people on the autism spectrum.

“The most important piece we have found is the headphones, and this is always the first thing you pull out of the kit,” said Cassel.

Cassel’s first kit went to the Wheat Ridge Police Department, which also received the 1,000th.

Public Information Officer Alex Rose said it’s a full circle moment for the department, which has handed out about two dozen of the kits.

“We have a lot of tools in our patrol cars, and these kits can be one of them,” said Rose. "It's great that the officer says hold on a second, grabs that kit, and is able to help that individual."

Cassel said the reaction from parents makes the hard work worth it.

“It’s unbelievable, because when we provide them to families, especially the newly diagnosed families, mom and dad are in tears,” he said.

If you’d like to donate or volunteer to assemble backpacks, you can do so here. 

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