In February 2022, Katelin Thiel came up with the idea for her Eagle Scout project.

She wanted to put together a Sensory Kit for First Responders to help children with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs in emergency situations.

Theil, who is on that spectrum, has been with Boys Scouts of America Greater Yosemite Council 2223 for nearly five years.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank in the Scouts BSA program. In order to achieve this rank, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership role roles and display outdoor skills, demonstrate by example the Scout Oath and Law, and complete a comprehensive service project in the community.

The stars aligned this week for Thiel, who attends is a ninth grader at Venture Academy – she presented the Manteca Fire Department with Sensory Kits equipped with instructions in both English and Spanish as well as a nonverbal communication device. All this coincided with April being Autism Awareness Month.

“We’ll be carrying the kits (on the rigs) at all five of our stations,” said Manteca Fire Department Engineer Austin Rioux on Tuesday.

He’s knowledgeable about the autism spectrum, having studied Recreation Therapy in college.

Crisis situations for those on the spectrum can be traumatic. Rioux recalled a traffic accident on Highway 120 Bypass in which an autistic youngster was overwhelmed by the sounds of sirens, cars, and other noises.

The kit made possible by Thiel will provide calming tools on incidents like this. Included are a Pop-it fidget toy, stress ball, earmuffs, and sunglasses, to name a few.

Prior to distributing the kits, Rioux will provide training to the local firefighters with advice and practical tips on how to approach, respond, and communicate with those with autism and special needs in the event of an emergency situation.

Eagle Scout project or not, Thiel had long considered putting together a sensory kit.

“It’s a great project,” Rioux added.