Turning Heartbreak Into Action: A Path to Change

On August 13, 2024, my six-year-old son, King Aries Reigns, experienced multiple seizures and was denied both emergency transport and rescue medication by members of the Houston Fire Department. Despite clear pleas from caregiver Bolanle Akinseye, myself via phone, and a written medical protocol specifying the emergency plan for Aries’ hydrocephalus, his convulsions were dismissed as “just what Autistic people do.”

By God’s grace, I was able to arrive at the scene and ensure he was transported. On the way to the Texas Medical Center, Aries suffered another seizure, ultimately requiring hospitalization.

This was not the first time. A similar incident had occurred previously under the jurisdiction of a different department. Twice, the lightning bolt of injustice struck my son. An email exchange with the department’s medical directors later revealed the truth: while training existed for epilepsy, nothing prepared first responders to understand and support individuals on the Autism spectrum.

That moment transformed heartbreak into resolve.

Building Change Through Training

Together with Hope For Three, we co-designed a training program to equip all City of Houston firefighters with the knowledge and tools needed to care for Autistic individuals during emergencies. Beginning Monday, February 25, 2025, the first wave of Houston Fire Department firefighters will receive this training. It includes:

• Research-based practices for emergency response.

• Caregiver-led strategies for supporting Autists.

• A testimonial and message of encouragement from me.

Dr. Chris Souders, Assistant Medical Director, shared that our family is the first in Houston Fire Department history to raise a concern and see it through to lasting organizational change.

A Legacy of Advocacy

Although the circumstances were painful, Aries and I are grateful to stand on the other side of crisis and turn adversity into advocacy. This journey is not just about our family—it’s about creating safer, more compassionate systems for the entire Greater Houston community.

🚒 About the Houston Fire Department

The Houston Fire Department, established in 1838, is “the world’s largest accredited municipal fire agency.” From one station, Protection Company No. 1, it has grown into the third-largest fire department in the United States, serving more than 2.3 million residents across 654 square miles. Its mission is clear: to save lives, protect property, and serve the community with courage, commitment, and compassion.