The Alert Card enables the holder to identify themselves to others as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  If you are in a situation where you are nervous or anxious or you have been approached by the Police or other emergency services, please produce the card.

The card will also inform others if necessary, of an appropriate person who can be contacted on your behalf.  The emergency contact should be someone who knows you well and would be able to give a full understanding of your needs.  If they are not available, Autism NI may be contacted. 

The information you supply to obtain this card will be stored securely within Autism NI.

By using this card the cardholder is agreeing that anyone who sees this card may:

• Contact the emergency contact on the card
• Contact Autism NI who may give out personal contact details about  you or your support person
• Contact Autism NI where they will receive generic information about Autism Spectrum Disorders

Information about the Autism Awareness Card

The launch of the Alert Card in November 2009 was to aid those with ASD should they encounter any situations within the criminal justice system. It was developed through partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Ambulance Service; Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Youth Justice Agency. It was produced to give an awareness of the issues individuals with ASD face when in contact with the criminal justice service.

The age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland is 10 years old, which means that from 10 onwards, a young person can be charged with criminal offences and brought before a court. The alert card will only be issued to those over the age of 10.

For children under the age of 10 or for those who do not wish to carry the Alert Card, Autism NI are in the process of providing a card ‘I have Autism’, which gives some general information about Autism. This card provides a section allowing the holder to put an emergency contact number. This card will enable the holder to identify themselves to others as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The card will also inform others if necessary, of an appropriate person who can be contacted. The emergency contact should be someone who knows the child well and would be able to give a full understanding of their needs. 

For more details and information on applying for an alert card, call 028 9040 1729