HUBBARD — Combining autism awareness with Halloween fun, the Autism Awareness Training and Acceptance Program conducted its sixth annual fall festival Saturday at the Corner House Christian Church in Hubbard.

Justin Meade, Hubbard police officer and executive director of AATAP, organized the event, which attracted two dozen vendors and hundreds of attendees who gathered to enjoy a fun day, while promoting autism awareness.

“Our goal is to go into every nook and cranny in our area to promote inclusivity and safety for the special needs community,” Meade said. “Today’s fall festival is just one component of our overall efforts.”

To that end, the AATAP reaches out to first responders, churches and schools to conduct free seminars to help organizations understand the autism spectrum and provide safe and friendly environments for those on it.

The AATAP, based in Hubbard, has traveled to Columbus, western Pennsylvania and everywhere in between to train more than 1,400 first responders. Kelly and Peter Verostko of Hubbard are big fans of AATAP and point out that the fall festival is more than just a family fun day for the kids.

“The training that AATAP does for first responders is extremely helpful for those with autism,” Kelly said. “We learned you can register your vehicles through the county so that in the event of an emergency, first responders will know that someone with autism might be in the car. This is a great idea.”

The Verostkos have a 6-year old, Peter Jr., who is on the autism spectrum.

“Those on the autism spectrum might be non-verbal or have medical conditions,” Peter Sr. said. “When first responders know this through license plate registration, it can be invaluable information.”

Many vendors were on hand to distribute pamphlets and flyers to educate people about various available resources. Robin Suzelis of Boardman is the director of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley, which provides resources for families involved with autism, such as an autism hotline, teen and adult social connections, support groups and summer camps.

Suzelis also is the mother of two autistic children and spoke highly of how the fall festival is great for kids on a social level.

“Children with autism and special needs can sometimes be intimidated by large crowds of the general population,” Suzelis said. “This event today gives autistic children their own Halloween event.”

Another vendor, Trumbull County Children’s Services, was on hand to provide information about foster parenting.

“We need to spread the word about the importance of becoming a foster parent,” Courtney Elliott, a case worker for Children’s Services, said. “It is all part of the global effort of connecting people together and being inclusive.”

While all the kids in attendance had Halloween costumes on, not all are on the autism spectrum. Tiffany Vestal of Hubbard brought her 3-year old daughter, Luna, to have fun and interact with all the other kids.

“We attend church here and some of my friends have autistic children,” Vestal said. “When I was a kid, I was never taught to include people from all walks of life in my world. I want my daughter to be comfortable with everyone and I want everyone to be comfortable with her.”

Police cars and fire trucks were at the festival, where local first responders invited kids to hop in to see emergency vehicles first hand.

“We want kids to know that first responders are their friends,” Meade said. “We are here to help them in any way we can.”