A NEW card designed to help people with autism has been unveiled in Teignbridge and across Devon this week.

Police are hoping the autism alert card will help officers and other emergency services identify people on the autistic spectrum.

Officers are being made aware how they can adapt and improve their communication style according to an autistic individual’s needs.

It is hoped the card may help in situations where they find it difficult to express themselves or make themselves understood. 

Joining police in the enterprise are Devon County Council and Plymouth City Council, who have funded development of the card in partnership with the charity Dimensions for Living, which supports people with autism, and the charity Devon Link-Up.

Cllr Stuart Barker, Devon County Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care and health, said: ‘Situations and interactions with other people that most people take for granted can be a challenge for people with autism.

‘Independence, as much as possible, is something that is important to all of us. This card will help people who sometimes find that more challenging than others. 

He added: ‘It will help people with autism feel more confident in their day-to-day lives and the interactions they have with others, such as the police and other emergency services.’

Barbara Wilson, from Dimensions for Living, said: ‘This card scheme is incredibly important and a terrific step forward. It will provide autistic people with the confidence that there will be a better understanding of their condition especially amongst emergency services. 

‘It will be a valuable tool for officers and support them to better deal with behaviour that may be presented in any incident.

‘I hope the card will prove to be a tool that will enable both police officers and persons on the autism spectrum to respect each other and work together to enable better outcomes.’

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: ‘We are proud to support the Autism Alert Card Scheme to raise awareness of autism and to improve our interactions with autistic people.

‘We are committed to identifying and protecting vulnerable members of our communities, some of whom may be autistic whilst also safeguarding all those in need.’

l To apply for a card follow the link from the Dimensions for Living website: www.dimensionsforliving.org/x8.