Autism Training That Builds Safer, Smarter, More Aware Communities
When a first responder, teacher, or coworker does not recognize the signs of autism, a routine interaction can quickly become a crisis. Autism Rising exists to close that gap — through practical, evidence-informed training that saves lives, builds trust, and creates safer communities for everyone.
Who We Are & What We Do
Autism Rising is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Savannah, Georgia that provides expert-led autism training designed to bridge the gap between individuals on the spectrum and the people they interact with every day.
Whether you’re a first responder, educator, business owner, or caregiver, our training helps you move from uncertainty to understanding—so every interaction is safer, more respectful, and more effective.
What We Do For Your Community
Four ways we spread awareness
01
Equip law enforcement, first responders, and school staff with the awareness and de-escalation skills to respond safely to individuals on the autism spectrum.
02
Deliver POST-approved autism training for police officers that counts toward continuing education credit.
03
Provide community autism awareness presentations for businesses, healthcare providers, families, and organizations of any size.
04
Bridge the gap between autism families and the public safety systems meant to protect them.
FACT
Prior autism training predicts higher knowledge and more positive attitudes toward acceptance
Training is not just a one-time event — it is a foundation for lasting change.
First Responders Autism Training
Practical, scenario-based training that helps emergency personnel respond safely and effectively in high-pressure situations.
Autism Training for Police Officers / Law Enforcement
POST-approved training that equips officers with the tools to recognize autism and reduce the risk of escalation.
Eligible for Continuing Education Credits
School Transportation Autism Training
Support drivers and staff with strategies to create safe, calm, and predictable environments for students.
Autism Training for Businesses / Customer Service
Improve customer interactions and create more inclusive, accessible experiences for individuals on the spectrum.
WHY TRAINING MATTERS
First Responder Awareness Gaps
35%
Recognized a disability was present
In a crisis-simulation study, only about 1 in 3 first responders recognized the person had a disability at all.
13%
Suspected autism specifically
Of those same responders, only 13 percent suspected the individual was on the autism spectrum.
27%
Offered basic reassurance
Less than 1 in 3 provided reassurance — one of the most fundamental de-escalation responses available.
11%
Asked others for help communicating
Only 11 percent sought assistance from bystanders — a missed strategy that can change the outcome of an interaction.
Become a State Liasion
As an Autism Rising State Liaison, you serve as the bridge between your local community and our mission. You connect law enforcement agencies, schools, businesses, and community organizations in your state with the training and resources they need to better support individuals on the spectrum.
No two communities look the same, and neither does this role. What matters is a shared commitment to awareness, safety, and meaningful change.
Darlene Pena
Daleville, AL
334-447-8263
Jamekia Frink
Las Vegas, NV
912-658-0649
Monica Mendiola
Pasenda, TX
832-746-1716
Meet our Founder
Christie Belle, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Christie Belle is the founder of Autism Rising and a passionate advocate for safer, more informed communities. What began as a mother's determination to protect her son became a nonprofit mission to bridge the gap between autism families and the systems meant to serve them.
A Licensed Professional Counselor with years of experience supporting individuals and families through autism-related challenges, Christie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to everything Autism Rising does. That combination is what makes the training real — not just informative, but transformative.
She is also the author of Dear Single Mother, a memoir written for every parent who has fought hard, felt invisible, and kept rising anyway.
Christie is based in Savannah, Georgia, where she continues to build a community where every individual on the spectrum is recognized, respected, and protected.
Community Partners
We've Worked With
