'Please Be Patient, I Have Autism': New Visor Card Program Aims To Ease Police Interactions

NEW YORK — A new initiative by the New York State Police hopes to make interactions less potentially fraught when communicating with members of the public who are on the spectrum of neurodivergence.

The New York State Police announced the introduction of the "Autism Awareness Visor Card" program. The cards are designed to assist both members of law enforcement and those with autism during police interactions, according to the NYSP.

Officials said autism can complicate interactions with police for those who have challenges with communication and social interaction, including difficulty engaging in conversation or making eye contact. Repetitive behaviors, such as repeating a word, phrase, or gesture multiple times can, at times, create tensions, and heightened sensitivity to lights and sounds can also make communication more difficult durning a police interaction.

Those with autism potentially face unique challenges when interacting with law enforcement due to those communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with social interaction. These challenges can make it harder to understand instructions, provide requested information, or respond appropriately, which may lead to misunderstandings, that can cause problems when interacting with police.

With more than one million public contacts annually, troopers will inevitably interact with someone on the autism spectrum. To help support these encounters and improve communication, the agency developed the "Autism Awareness Visor Card."

The cards feature simple visual icons that troopers can use to assist with communication and reduce confusion or fear during those interactions. Each patrol vehicle will be equipped with a card for use as needed.

Members of the public will be also able to download and print the card directly from the New York State Police public website.

The "Autism Awareness – Visor Card Program" will be rolled out statewide in the coming weeks.
Find more information or download the card here.