New Autism Alert card launches in Highlands
A new initiative launches in the Highlands today to help address the unique challenges faced by people with autism who are victims of crime and accidents.
The Autism Alert card will help ensure those with the condition are quickly identified by police and emergency services and is endorsed by Northern Constabulary, NHS Highland, Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service and The Highland Council.
Featuring the Northern Constabulary logo, the card will include 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.
Leading autism charity, The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland, together with its partners is heralding the card a ‘breakthrough’, and encouraging all teenagers and adults with autism to apply.
The card is to be rolled out in the Highlands from August 24th. It is the result of in-depth research by a team that includes the region’s emergency services, council and NHS. By linking with a range of organisations, including social services, the initiative ensures that a network of essential support is available to those in greatest need, in times of emergency.
Dr Robert Moffat, National Director of NAS Scotland explains, “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. It is vitally important that police and emergency services know that a person has autism and this card will be key in explaining this and providing a personal emergency contact.
“People with autism 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.
“NAS Scotland is delighted to be in a partnership that addresses the unique challenges faced by people with autism in such a sensible, straightforward and effective way. This is a crucial step in ensuring Highlands emergency services are autism aware, and helps people with autism in the local area access the same rights most of us take for granted.”
It is estimated that 50,000 Scots have autism, with 4000 thought to live in the Highlands. 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.
Linda Schubert, Headteacher, Drummond School said, "Drummond School is delighted that the Autism Alert card is being rolled out and we expect there to be a great uptake among our pupils and their parents. Many of our pupils with autism are involved in a range of activities in the community, including sport, drama and college, and we can see many instances where the Autism Alert card could be of great benefit to our pupils, especially to those in secondary education." Drummond School, Inverness supports pupils with additional support needs (ASN). All its pupils have severe learning difficulties and many have severe and complex needs.
Chief Inspector Ian Bryce, Head of Policy at Northern Constabulary said: "We welcome the introduction of the new Autism Alert card which will allow our officers to quickly identify a card-holder’s condition, improve understanding of their needs and offer them the best possible support."
David McDiarmid, Station Manager, Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service said, “Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service are delighted to support the launch of the new Autism Alert card in partnership with the National Autistic Society and other emergency services in the Highlands and Islands”.
“Supporting our communities and reducing risk, especially for those with the greatest needs, is at the heart of the Fire and Rescue Service. I believe this card will provide additional support for people with autism to access information and support they require at a time when they most need it. As well as supporting the launch of the Autism Alert card, Highlands and Islands FRS staff will continue to support and encourage those who would benefit from using the card, to apply for and use it each and every time they need our help or assistance”.
Faith Wilson, NHS Highland Professional Lead Nurse for the Community Learning Disability Nursing Service, said: “NHS Highland welcomes the development of the Autism Alert Card and is proud to have worked in partnership on this initiative.
“The card will serve as a prompt for staff treating the patient with autism to consider and adapt their approach in order to make the experience much more positive. This is one step further for health staff in learning the language of autism!”
Councillor Margaret Davidson, Highland Council said, "We welcome and endorse this important step forward in recognising some of the difficulties and uniqueness experienced by young people and adults who have autism. The Council wants to ensure that staff gain additional knowledge and understanding of autism, to further enhance the quality of the service provided by them to members of the public."
To apply for the Autism Alert card:
Telephone 01463 720056
Email: autism.alertcard@nas.org.uk