Alerting Scots to Autism

Inside the sector, Proactivist — By TFNadmin on 02/02/2012 10:23 pm

The National Autistic Society is hoping to roll out the Autism Alert card nationally and is calling on all Scots to help raise awareness

What’s the campaign called?

Scotland’s emergency services: Get Autism Alert

What’s the point?

Autism Alert cards help address the unique challenges faced by people with autism who are victims of crime and accidents. The Autism Alert card helps ensure those with the condition are quickly identified by police and emergency services and is endorsed by The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland. Featuring a regional police logo, the card includes details of a personal contact who can lead emergency services through the best ways to support the individual with autism in what can be a highly pressurised experience. NAS, working in partnership with a range of autism organisations including Autism Scotland and Autism Initiatives, is encouraging all regional police and emergency services across Scotland to launch their own version of the card. Where the card is currently available, in the Strathclyde, Lothian and Borders and Highland regions, NAS Scotland is encouraging young people and adults to apply. As Scotland’s constabularies move towards a centralised service, NAS is campaigning for a centralised Autism Alert card system to be introduced.

Why should we care?

An estimated 50,000 Scots have autism, which is 1 in 100. Autism is known as the invisible disability, because those with the condition can appear to be outwardly functioning well, while often experiencing severe challenges in communication and social situations. Being a victim of a crime or accident can be a stressful experience for anyone. But for someone with autism it can be particularly disorientating and frightening. People with the condition often have difficulty understanding facial expressions, can be very literal in their understanding of questions and easily misinterpret others’ intentions. In an environment of serious crime or medical emergency these types of misunderstandings can have serious consequences.

Who else cares?

Autism Alert cards have been launched in the Strathclyde, Lothian and Borders and Highlands regions, with a Scottish Islands launch planned for spring 2012. The Lothian and Borders card includes an innovation unique to the region. As well as details of a personal contact, there are contact details of an independent, expert individual to assist with communication support when a person with autism is being interviewed as a witness or suspect. The innovation is the result of a new partnership between Lothian and Borders Police and The Scottish Appropriate Adult Network. It aims to minimise any potential delay in progressing interviews or statement taking and to reduce stress for an individual with autism by ensuring support is available from both an expert advisor and a personal contact. On being presented with the card, Lothian and Borders Police will automatically contact the network through a local social work department.

Who are you targeting?

Adults and young people with autism and their families, police forces and emergency services throughout Scotland.

What will a better world look like?

In a better world, difference is accepted, and people with autism can access the same social, educational and employment opportunities many of us take for granted.

What can we do?

To find out more about the Autism Alert Card, email scotland@nas.org.uk. For more information about autism call the NAS Autism Helpline on 0808 800 4104 10am–4pm, Monday to Friday, (free from landlines and most mobiles). NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk