During our Axia “Post-Diagnostic Support Group” meeting yesterday in Crewe, I spoke of how Axia’s bespoke “Autism Alert Card” was evolving. I referred to the original post I’d written titled Managing Anxiety – the “Autism Alert Card” and the suggestion from a previous P-D.S.G. meeting that Axia should have their own card.
Due to the large number of variations of the “Autism Alert Card” which are now available (including the extremely well thought out version sold by the National Autistic Society HERE), it had previously been decided that in order for Axia’s card to have additional purpose and value, it would only be available to those diagnosed by/through Axia ASD Ltd. The reason for this is that it allows more specific LEGAL WORDING to be used which other cards do not have, perhaps most significantly “Medical Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder”.
Following my update yesterday, it was suggested the drafts I have been gradually piecing together were shared on the website to enable others to leave thoughts and feedback. As mentioned, there are technical printing issues with the size of text which can be printed and remain legible, which needs to be balanced out with what is considered most IMPORTANT to have on the card.
Please find below a few variations of the front and back I was playing with, both wording and aesthetics. Click on an image to enlarge it. The “raw text” of the reverse of the card is also in plain type below. I actually thought after the meeting that I’d not included one of my own personal problems of tactility, an “oversensitivity to touch” (which I imagine if threatened with restraint would disturb me greatly!).
And a simplified text similar to many others below
Reverse of Card Draft Text
PLEASE NOTE: This card tells you what you may expect when you meet an individual with autism (including Asperger syndrome). Autism is a life long disability that affects social and communication skills amongst other things. People with autism may behave unpredictably because they have difficulty understanding social situations and language.
Please help by showing understanding, patience and tolerance.
When talking to a person with autism:
• first explain what you are going to do and make sure they understand.
• use clear simple language with short sentences.
• ask specific, unambiguous questions avoiding irony, sarcasm or metaphors.
• allow the individual extra time to think about or act on what you said.
• avoiding eye contact does not imply shiftiness or disrespectfulness.
Important notes for legal or criminal justice professionals
A person with autism may be considered vulnerable, whether as victim, witness, or suspect. If you think your detainee/client/defendant has autism, a report from a specialist psychiatric service dealing with autism or Asperger syndrome may be in their interest and that of justice.
Version II
PLEASE NOTE: I have an autism spectrum disorder which includes Asperger syndrome.
This means I may:
• Have social communication difficulties
• Be extremely anxious in unfamiliar situations
• Behave in a manner that appear alarming, strange or threatening
• Be vulnerable and need support from an appropriate adult / intermediary.
Please do share your thoughts and comments below.
My personal opinion is that the card with the darker back ground stands out more. Also the second version of the reverse of the card may be more helpful as not many people will stand around trying to read/ understand the written word if this card has been handed to them in a stressful / difficult scenario that requires some kind of intervention on their part.
Many thanks for the feedback. I think the solid background is the right way to go, better contrast and easier to read.
I see what you mean regarding the amount of wording, I hadn’t considered all the situations the card may be presented under, or the stress the person receiving it may also be experiencing, so thank you for bringing that to my attention.
Hi Linda,
Can I ask how we go about getting one of these cards?
Thanks
Hi Debbie
We haven’t yet finalised the design of these cards. Full details will be provided on how to obtain one once we have the finished version.
Kind Regards
Carly
Hi Carly
Vicky would love one of these,looks very good so far
Brian
Hello,
We are very interested in purchasing some of these cards.
Do you know approximately when they will be available? Would you please be able to email me when they are available? I will keep checking back on your website also.
Thank you.
Alison
Hi Alison, These particular cards are not yet finalised and are only available to people diagnosed specifically by Axia ASD Ltd. However, the National Autistic Society also provide Autism Alert cards should you wish to contact them.
Hi Just looked at your card The shorter one is better.
When saying there are communication difficulties an instruction to give more time would be useful as It would give the person who was handed the card an instruction which they are more likely to follow. The instruction about simple language is also good. The part that says “may have” if read may need help with would make the person reading the card think differently. Asking for help with, causes a different response than a pure statement.
Linda, thank you for your helpful comments. Carly