Patience, Not Pressure: A Heartwarming Reminder of What Truly Helps Our Kids
We often talk about the power of slowing down, listening, and connecting with individuals with Autism, in a way that honors their perspective. A recent story from Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services brought this truth to life in a deeply moving way, and it’s one we hope everyone takes to heart.
In the village of Fairfax, Ohio, Lt. Rodney Naticchioni and Officer Nathan Staggs, spotted a young girl walking alone near a bike path. Something didn’t feel right, so he stopped to check on her. The 10-year-old girl who has autism, spoke briefly with him before asking to be left alone and running toward a nearby creek.
As reported by Hamilton County DDS (original article here), she had run away from home after an argument with her brother, who had taken her beloved Baby Yoda toy. Officers Naticchioni and Nathan Staggs followed her into the creek, not to retrieve her by force, but to join her in what she called her calming place.
Instead of rushing or demanding, they asked about what she liked. She began talking about rocks. They helped her search for them. They let her lead. “It ended up being like a little play date,” Officer Staggs said.
What could’ve turned into a traumatic moment was instead a gentle, supportive encounter. After 40 minutes of connection and trust-building, the girl agreed to come out of the creek and reunite with her mother.
As Officer Naticchioni reflected, “Things that may be very small to us, can be a big deal to some people.” That insight is at the heart of trauma-informed care and autism acceptance.
At EmPath, we are so grateful for these officers and their willingness to respond with empathy, patience, and respect. Their story is a powerful reminder that autistic individuals don't need fixing, they need understanding.
We’re also reminded that this could have ended very differently. Many autistic children are naturally drawn to water and seek it out as a source of calm. That’s why EmPath is advocating for life-saving legislation requiring safety fencing around retention ponds and other manmade bodies of water in our communities.
💔 Too many families have faced unthinkable tragedy.
🖊️ Please help us make a difference
Let’s continue to build a world that protects, respects, and uplifts every child—especially those whose voices are too often misunderstood or unheard.
With gratitude,
- The EmPath for Autism Team