A quarterly publication of the Autism Research Institute
Spring 2025 | Number 2, Volume 39
Researchers in Australia report that “autism alert” cards—now widely available in several countries for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or their caregivers—appear to be a useful tool, although their value is limited by societal attitudes.
Autism alert cards inform strangers that an individual has autism and provide in formation to help them understand issues such as communication problems and sensory sensitivity. To determine whether users found the cards valuable, Chris Edwards and colleagues surveyed 272 individuals who had received them. Participants included 136 adults with ASD, 128 parents or other caregivers of individuals with ASD, and eight children with ASD.
The researchers found that 55.7% of autistic individuals and 44.9% of caregivers who received an autism alert card had used it, most often on public transport or in healthcare and retail settings. While many individuals used the cards only rarely, one third reported using them monthly or weekly, and about one in ten used them daily. Of the users, 70% said that most reactions from strangers were positive, while 9% said most reactions were negative and the remainder reported mixed reactions.
Individuals who experienced negative responses when using the cards said that these were often due to recipients’ ignorance about autism or disbelief that the individual actually had autism. Others reported that strangers “infantilized” them after seeing the cards, or that they themselves were too embarrassed to use them.
“Despite these challenges,” the researchers say, “the majority of participants (76.2%) would recommend the card.”
The researchers conclude, “The findings accentuate the dual nature of autism alert cards: They can serve as powerful tools for facilitating disclosure and enhancing social interactions, yet their effectiveness is heavily contingent upon the knowledge and attitudes of those receiving the disclosure.” They call for more training and awareness programs for the general public, as well as for professionals, including doctors and police officers, to maximize the value of the cards.
“‘Just knowing it’s there gives me comfort:’ Exploring the benefits and challenges of autism alert cards,” Chris Edwards, Abigail M.A. Love, Rebecca L. Flower, Ru Ying Cai, and Vicki Gibbs, Autism, March 2025 (free online). Address: Chris Edwards, Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, Autism Spectrum Australia, Level 5, Tower B, The Zenith, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia, [email protected].
