Hundreds sign up to Autism Alert Card scheme in Thames Valley

Hundreds of autistic people across the Thames Valley have signed up to a scheme that helps break down barriers to communicating with autistic people, following a relaunch last September.

The Autism Alert Card scheme, which Autism Berkshire founded in 2010, allows the holder, or their parent or carer, the opportunity to explain their condition with ease to others.

It is intended to be shown if the cardholder finds themselves in a situation where they need assistance or cannot easily explain their behaviour to people around them or to the emergency services.

A re-launch in September 2021 saw Thames Valley Police collaborate with Autism Berkshire, enabling a feature where those signing up for an alert card can choose to voluntarily share their details with police.

The information is securely stored on the force’s computer systems and allows officers to have awareness of how best to communicate with the person, if they have reason to do so.

Of the 670 new cards issued, 85 per cent have consented to sharing their details with police.

Autism Berkshire’s chief executive officer, Jane Stanford-Beale, said: “There has been a fantastic response from autistic people and their families to the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card, with more than 100 cards issued every month since its launch last September."

Today (Saturday) marks the 15th World Autism Awareness Day, which celebrates the resilience of those affected by the disorder and supports causes that promote awareness of it.