Driving With Autism

Driving is a big milestone for everyone. Teen and adult drivers with autism are no different!

In the State of PA, the state police have introduced an informational card for people with autism.

State police are encouraging individuals with autism to take advantage of its free safety resource. This is designed to enhance their interactions with law enforcement officers. PSP have started distributing informational cards that should be carried by those with autism and presented during an encounter with officers.

There are many different behaviors associated with autism that can cause barriers to being able to communicate effectively. This card can be presented to reduce those barriers.

When the officer is aware of a person who has autism, they will be able to respond accordingly and this will result in a safer interaction for everyone involved.

The informational cards will alert law enforcement officers that the individual has autism and therefore may be nonverbal, bothered by loud noises, hyper-sensitive to touch, and unresponsive to commands or questions. In such cases, officers are directed to be patient, use a calm and direct voice, and keep their questions and commands simple.

The cards can be printed from the PA website or downloaded to their phone. Troopers will also distribute the cards at public community events.