One of the biggest concerns for families of children and adults with special needs is the possibility of their loved one wandering off.

According to the National Autism Association, children with autism typically wander from a safe setting to get something of interest or to get away from something that might irritate them. The dangers associated with wandering include drowning, getting struck by a vehicle, falling from a high place, dehydration, hypothermia, abduction, victimization or assault.Turn to Us Inc. of Jim Thorpe saw a need to bring awareness to the problem of wandering and sought to bring together the families and the first responders who would be called upon should such an event occur.On Wednesday evening, families, caregivers and first responders all gathered at the Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 to hold an Autism Safety Awareness event."Events like this bring families with similar issues together and lets them know that they are not alone," said Alicia Kline, executive director of Turn to Us."We get to mingle with the kids and to learn something about them," said Lake Harmony Fire Chief Ralph Lennon. "They get to see that the firemen and the police are normal people like them and it helps so that in a time of need, maybe they won't be afraid."Lennon said it is important for the first responders in the area to know as much as possible about the children they may be asked to locate."The first thing we are going to do in a situation like this is go straight to the parents," said Pennsylvania State trooper Justin Magluilo. "We need to know how the child thinks, what they like and don't like. The more information, the better."That is why Kline handed out a form designed by the National Autism Association called the Big Red Safety Tool Kit. The form is a place for parents and caregivers to learn how to protect children who might be inclined to wander as well as a comprehensive list of information about the child that will be needed if a search is undertaken.Another concernis the added problems that come with aging caregivers.Joshua Koch of Thrivent Financial Services of Lehighton frequently works with Turn to Us."We are a not for profit company and we have tax-exempt dollars that can be contributed to programs like this," Koch said.Koch was on hand with a presentation for families to discuss and give them information about the special financial planning needed to care for a special needs family member after the primary caregivers are no longer able to provide the care."We provide for the health, financial and legal aspect of the financial plan," Koch said. "We have the necessary tools to help plan for the future."The money Thrivent provided Turn to Us was used to set up stations throughout the event for children to play and interact with family members, other children and most importantly first responders."The Pennsylvania State Police take pride in being a part of community events like this," Magluilo said. "We get to interact with children while in uniform and then when they need us they aren't as likely to be afraid of us."Families that attended the event received window and door alarms courtesy of Autism Speaks. They also received window stickers to notify emergency responders of a special needs resident in the home.Turn to Us is located on Center Street in Jim Thorpe.The organization offers assistance to its clients when there is a gap in support services for residents in Carbon County and the surrounding area."When we see a need we try to help," Kline said. "We advocate for individuals and families impacted by major and chronic illnesses. We have clients from age 2 to age 86. We believe that no one should fall between the cracks."