MCHD issues Autism Spectrum Disorder Identification Cards

December 2, 2022

MCHD issues Autism Spectrum Disorder Identification Cards

MOBILE, Ala. — Imagine you hear loud sirens, see bright lights, and are stopped by a law enforcement officer while driving alone. Imagine that you are on the autism spectrum and are increasingly overwhelmed with sensory overload well before the officer or a first responder reaches the vehicle. Fortunately, tense situations such as this one can be de-escalated in many situations if the individual has an Autism Spectrum Disorder Identification Card and keeps it handy.

Alabama created and implemented the first state-recognized Autism Identification Card in the United States. The Mobile County Health Department’s Vital Statistics office at 251 North Bayou Street in Mobile can issue them. They processed three autism cards from October 2021 through September 2022. The staff can be contacted at 251-690-8150.

Alabamians who have a diagnosis that falls within the autism disorder spectrum may apply for an identification card that can assist in their interactions with first responders and law enforcement officers during potentially stressful situations.

Wording on the card explains that the individual falls within the autism spectrum and may have difficulty communicating or understanding directions. The card further states that the person may become agitated if touched because of his or her medical condition.

Before a card is issued, a health care provider (such as a psychologist, pediatrician or family practice doctor) must verify that the person is on the autism spectrum. The cards also contain the contact information for someone who can confirm the cardholder’s diagnosis, as well as give information that may help calm the individual. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Card Registration Form may be downloaded from this link — https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/disability/assets/autismspecdiscardregform.pdf, printed and brought to any county health department.

Adult drivers are to come in person and bring their government issued driver’s license when applying.

For children and adult family members, parents/caretakers are to take their child or adult family member and a government issued form of identification to apply. The adult, child or adult family member diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder must be present to receive the billfold-sized card. Health department employees issue the card upon receipt of a completed application and payment of $10.

The identification cards were developed as a result of Act 2014-344, passed during the 2014 session of the Alabama Legislature.