Welsh police offer ID card for people with autism

From News Wales in the UK Oct. 3:

People with autism who could get involved with the police because of their vulnerability and lack of social skills have been offered a lifeline by Dyfed Powys police.

The force is helping its staff to learn more about the illness and has linked with Autism Cymru to launch a card for individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Autism is on the rise in Wales and there are 320 sufferers in Swansea alone.The card will be issued to people with an ASD (including those with Asperger syndrome, a form of high functioning autism) living in the Dyfed Powys Police area.

If a sufferer comes into contact with any of the emergency services they can produce the card, which states that they have an autism disorder and lists a number of ways in which they may be helped to communicate more effectively in what can often be tense and difficult situations.

The card also contains a special telephone number which emergency services personnel can call for advice, support and information about ASD.

Maggie Bowen, Deputy Chief Executive of Autism Cymru said,We are delighted to be working in partnership with Dyfed Powys Police on this important project which we hope will assist individuals with ASDs and their families if they come into contact with the police.

Chief Inspector Nigel George said: "It is important that police officers are able to identify individuals with an ASD. These cards provide a means of doing that and allow us to work closely with Autism Cymru."

Swansea's first ever support worker dedicated to parents/carers of children and young people with ADHD is proving a vital asset. Kathryn Protheroe, began her role just 10 months ago and already 60 families have benefited from her support.

Diagnosis of both ASD and ADHD have been increasing in Swansea, as in other
areas of Wales.

There are approximately 320 children and young people diagnosed with the two conditions here and these youngsters make up the third largest group on the disabled children's register in Swansea.