is a self-made autism alert card valid?

Post Reply New Topic

A week ago I had to take the train for a longer trip.
After a while the police came onto the train to check my ID because people called them as they thought I was on drugs.
This might come from my stimming as taking the train is a stressful situation for me and I stim a lot then.
I got non-verbal but was still able to follow their orders and show my ID.
Then they left again and I felt even more stressed out, but went to sit on my hands to stim less.
Going back with the train a couple days later I ended up in the wrong train compartment as I had to change the train on a station I did not know and it was confusing to me and I mixed up the numbers of the ticket for reservation, as it was a train one can only board with a reservation.
I sat there down on the floor and then the conducter came tell me to move and I panicked.
It is not always possible that I have people to escort me, sometimes due to additional costs.
In a couple days I have to take the train for a longer trip again and then the plane.
At the airport of destination I will be met by people I know and they will accompany me on the flight back home, but the first way I have to do alone.
Now I wonder if an autism alert card could simplify the weird situations where I use get into and if it would make people understand better.
But I have no official autism alert card and my psychologist is on vacation, so I cannot ask her.
Is it valid to make one myself?
What specifics should I give?

I think that it shall serve the purpose of informing the police or whoever else of your condition, and in that sense, it really doesn't matter if yours is homemade or psychologist-issued. Good luck!

Sure it's valid. It's just meant to replace you telling them verbally. You don't need any proof of autism (though it may be a good idea to list your psychologist as a contact if they want proof).

My guess is for you, you'd want to say something like:

'I have autism. I often show atypical motor mannerisms ([list some]) and when stressed I lose the ability to speak. If you are trying to communicate with me and I am not able to speak, please [list things that help you].'

Thank you for replying.
So I will make one.
Thank you for the advice to list my psychologist and the given example, Ettina.
And a card won't bring me deeper into trouble as usual that people can think I make it up or that I am dangerous?
Is it a good idea to wear it visible?

If you keep your ID in your wallet, I recommend keeping the card immediately behind the ID so if needed you can hand both to a police officer at the same time.

Another possibility for a card might be this:

Thank you for the suggestion.

Wait people call the cops for someone appearing to be on drugs? lol that is weird to me, where I live only if someone appeared high on drugs and was causing problems would the cops be called otherwise people tend to mind their own business about that. Either way I could see how an autism alert card sort of thing could help, that way maybe cops wont assume your on drugs if your not and it would offer some explination for some of those weird awkward situations.

Ironically I had something similar happen last week. I was walking on dark road at the edge of town at like 4 am.

And when the cop pulled over and flashed his lights at me, I started get all twitchy and nervous.

He asked me what I was doing there, and in the back of my mind I knew his only assumption would be that I'm high.

So I proceed to explain that the truth that may sound crazy, which I guess it almost was, was that I was trying to live in a different time zone.

He got the hint that I'm just a bit off, but still it's hard when you don't wanna lie yet know you should.

There's not really such a thing as an official alert card; just companies who make them. Have one that is easy to understand and durable enough to carry around, with only the absolute most important information on it, possibly including an emergency contact person who can explain things if you are unable to communicate effectively, or at least brief instructions as to what to do if you cannot communicate--things like, "I can communicate better if I am in a quiet, distraction-free place." Or whatever helps you. You could mention any particular medical conditions which affect you, such as epilepsy or a chronic illness, whether you use a communication device or sign language. If you live with family, have their phone number, if you have an aide, list them; if you live alone and without assistance, mention that ("Living independently"). If you tend to run or ignore danger while in a meltdown you could put that, though it may lead them to restrain or sedate you if you are not able to communicate well; or you could state that if you are unable to talk or overloaded, you need a quiet place to calm down; or you could mention things like touch or auditory sensitivity.

It all depends on how much information you want on there. Bare minimum, you could just put, "I have autism" and a contact number for somebody who knows about you, to use in case the police think you're high and try to arrest you.