Autistic person alert card scheme

Autism affects more than 1% of the population and is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. We want our officers to recognise if an individual is autistic and therefore they may have communication difficulties, become anxious and need additional support.

The Alert Card scheme

The Alert Card has been produced in collaboration with West Midlands, West Mercia, Staffordshire and Warwickshire Police Forces and British Transport Police and costs £2.50. The credit-card style card will alert police as well as other emergency services to the fact that the person is autistic and they may have difficulty with communication or display unpredictable behaviour in a challenging situation. The card also provides details of an emergency contact for the person.

Carrying an Autism Alert Card can boost confidence and provide peace of mind. We offer two cards: a card for diagnosed young people and adults and a card for parents or carers of autistic children.

To apply for an alert card, you need to fill out a short form and provide proof of your autism diagnosis. Cards take 2-3 weeks to be issued.