FSUPD Introduces Autism Awareness Month Patch

New campaign aims to promote understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, abstract illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a police uniform patch with a rainbow infinity symbol, rendered in a vibrant, pop art-inspired color palette and visual style, conceptually representing the department's efforts to raise autism awareness.The Framingham State University Police Department's new Autism Awareness Month patch aims to promote understanding and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum.Framingham Today

The Framingham State University Police Department (FSUPD) has launched a new Autism Awareness Month patch campaign for April. The initiative is part of the department's efforts to enhance communication and understanding when interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum. FSUPD worked with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism to design a special patch featuring a rainbow infinity symbol, which officers will wear on their uniforms.

Why it matters

Autism awareness is especially important for FSUPD, as it helps officers adapt their responses and communication styles when serving and protecting members of the diverse campus community. The training highlighted the need for collaboration between first responders, clinicians, and community partners to create safer and more effective interactions for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The details

FSUPD was inspired to start the autism awareness patch campaign after attending a training hosted by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. The department received a $1,000 grant from the foundation to design and purchase the patches. FSUPD has also collaborated with the university's Counseling Center and Center for Academic Success and Achievement to promote the Blue Envelope Program, which provides guidance for officers on how to recognize and respond to individuals who may need extra patience and de-escalation techniques.

  • FSUPD announced the new Autism Awareness Month patch campaign in April 2026.

The players

Framingham State University Police Department (FSUPD)

The campus police department at Framingham State University that is launching the Autism Awareness Month patch campaign.

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

A nonprofit organization that provides the Police Patch Fundraising Initiative for Autism Awareness, inspiring FSUPD to start their own campaign and providing a $1,000 grant to make it possible.

Sergeant Harry Singh

A member of the FSUPD Community Engagement team who attended the training hosted by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation and spearheaded the autism awareness patch project.

Chief Philip Di Blasi

The FSUPD police chief who supports the department's efforts to promote autism awareness, safety, and acceptance on campus.

Dirty Water Collectibles

A company run by a full-time Saugus police officer that designed the custom autism awareness patch for FSUPD.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It highlighted the importance of collaboration between first responders, clinicians, and community partners to create safer and more effective interactions.”

— Sergeant Harry Singh, FSUPD Community Engagement Team

“Awareness allows officers to adapt accordingly, so situations stay calm and collected, as well as ensuring trust from and support of a diverse campus community.”

— Sergeant Harry Singh, FSUPD Community Engagement Team

“As a future educator, I understand that people with autism are very, very misunderstood. I've had the pleasure of working with many autistic children for the past year and have noticed that they're the most insightful people I have ever met.”

— Rachel Smyers, Freshman

What’s next

FSUPD plans to continue the Autism Awareness Month patch campaign annually and explore additional ways to collaborate with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation and other community partners to promote understanding and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The takeaway

This initiative demonstrates FSUPD's commitment to enhancing communication, safety, and acceptance for all members of the Framingham State University community, including those with autism. By raising awareness and fostering partnerships, the department aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals on the spectrum.