Press release -
Autism West Midlands launches new “Attention Card” in partnership with the police
People with autism now have a new way of telling people about it during emergencies, thanks to a fresh new-look Attention Card launched by Autism West Midlands. The card is similar to those carried by people with conditions such as epilepsy to give the emergency services and others warning about a person’s needs should they need urgent help or medical attention.
The card, which has space on the reverse to include the contact details of an in case of emergency person, has been developed in partnership with police services across the West Midlands.
Attention Cards can be useful in a variety of situations including:
• When dealing with the police
• When they are attended to by ambulance paramedics or at Accident & Emergency Departments
• When having difficulties on public transport
Nigel Archer, Criminal Justice Sector Co-ordinator for Autism West Midlands said: “Despite being able to cope well most of the time, people with 
autism occasionally find themselves needing assistance or in situations which cause them anxiety. By presenting the Attention Card card to professionals it increases the chances of the situation being resolved with least difficulty for all parties.”
Chief Inspector Mike Slemensek from Warwickshire Police said “”We welcome the launch of the new attention card by Autism West Midlands and will be promoting information about it to all our officers and staff. People with ASD do come into contact with the police for a variety of reasons and in circumstances where they are vulnerable. It is important for officers to be aware of the possibility of autism – so that they can respond to the person in an appropriate way. The new card is a practical and helpful measure”.
Autism West Midlands is promoting greater awareness and offering training to public and private sector organisations to ensure that their staff respond appropriately when dealing with people with autism.
The police in the West Midlands and British Transport Police nationally, whose logos are on the card, have received information and training about autism and are aware of the card and why it is carried.
The original card is already carried by more than 2000 people across the West Midlands, but was redesigned as a result of consultation with the card users.
Anyone with a diagnosis of autism or an autism spectrum disorder should apply for the card by visiting: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/attention
Topics
- Crime
Categories
- autism awareness
- autism
- aspergers
- asperger syndrome
- criminal justice
- criminal justice system
- west midlands
- learning disabilities
- disability
- autism spectrum disorders
- autism care provider
Regions
- Hereford and Worcester
About Autism West Midlands
Autism West Midlands is the leading provider of specialist autism care and support in the West Midlands.
They work with people, of all ages, across the autism spectrum, their families and carers to empower them to create a better future. They also work alongside professionals at local, regional and national levels to raise autism awareness and help to develop high quality services based on real life experiences of people on the spectrum.
Their vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.
At the heart of their core values is the belief that specialist-trained and dedicated staff with an understanding of autism will make a positive difference to people’s lives.
About Autism
• Autism affects more than one person in every hundred.
• It can be a hidden disability, because many people with autism are no different in appearance from anyone else
• It is a lifelong condition, but the quality of life can be enormously improved with the right care and support
• Early diagnosis is key to getting the right support
• People with autism can be very sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, touch or the sensations caused by what they see.
