State introduces autism identification cards

Misty Gillispie describes her 14-year-old son, Eli, as “the smartest kid I know.” Eli is a freshman in high school, but his Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis means he sometimes has difficulty with language and communication. For people who don’t understand Asperger’s and other autism spectrum disorders, Eli’s behavior can be misconstrued.

“I would never want my son to be mistaken for being rude or aggressive when there is simply a communication barrier,” Gillispie, an Indian Creek Drive resident, said.

Bama Hager, the policy and program director at the Autism Society of Alabama, understands Gillispie’s fears because she also has a 14-year-old son with autism. Through the ASA, Hager works to make these worries a little easier for parents like her. The ASA’s most recent successful campaign was the introduction of state-issued identification cards for people with autism. The Alabama Legislature’s Act 2014-344, which governs the use and eligibility of these cards, went into effect on Jan. 1.

People with autism spectrum disorders can apply for the cards with the Alabama Department of Public Health. The cards have an explanation of autism’s effects and a place for emergency contact information. Hager said she believes these cards could be crucial for drivers with autism in interacting with police or other first responders.

Communication issues and delays in processing language are central to autism, and stressful or fearful situations can exacerbate these problems. Hager said that during a traffic stop, a police officer might interpret the behavior of a person with autism as noncompliant, flustered or even resistant, when in reality the person is struggling to handle the situation.

“Many interactions with first responders will often occur during events that might provoke frustration, fear and anxiety,” Hager said. “That experience is often heightened for those on the spectrum. In other words, a teen or adult with autism may function very effectively and independently in the community. When faced with a stressful event, the same teen or adult may have a very difficult time communicating their thoughts and feelings.”

Hager said that for some individuals, these high-stress situations can produce behaviors similar to people under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. She met a man through the ASA who has never had an alcoholic drink, but has had a sobriety test every time he’s pulled over because of his reaction to anxiety.

With the introduction of these cards, drivers with autism can keep the cards next to their licenses and hand them both to police if they’re pulled over. This would help officers understand how to interact and be patient with the driver.

Gillispie said the card would give her peace of mind if Eli gets his driver’s license in a few years. Simply carrying the card could help people understand him and his 4-year-old brother, who has nonverbal autism. 

“I hope that law enforcement will also be given training on understanding autism and how to communicate effectively during traffic stops or accidents,” Gillispie said.

The creation of these cards was truly a grassroots effort, Hager said. Parents and other advocates in Huntsville and Decatur began encouraging a special note on drivers’ licenses for people with autism. Because of health confidentiality reasons, this idea was changed into the optional identification cards. The ASA and parents across the state got involved in the effort, as did 3rd District Senator Arthur Orr, and the bill was enacted into law during the spring 2014 legislative session.

“People all over the state of Alabama are saying ‘Yes, this is something we like,’” Hager said. “That’s a really neat thing to see a law go into effect that obviously meets a need.”

To apply for a card, contact the ASA at 951-1364 or email Hager at bamah@autism-alabama.org.