The Thames Valley Autism Alert Card provides a simple way for autistic people of all ages and their parents or carers to quickly and easily explain the condition to others, giving cardholders and their families more confidence to go out and about.
Autism Berkshire issues the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card free of charge to anyone living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes who has an autism diagnosis. More than 3,000 cards are now in use.
The card is intended to be shown if the cardholder finds themselves in a situation where they need assistance or cannot easily explain their behaviour to people around them or to the emergency services.
The card gives the cardholder’s name and details of two emergency contacts, such as parents or carers, so that those shown the card understand they are dealing with someone who is autistic and find out what they can do to help them.
Frontline police officers throughout the Thames Valley area are trained to recognise the alert card.
The card is now available with a choice of wording on the front – I have Autism or I am Autistic – you can tell us your preference when you apply.
Click here to complete the online application form for a Thames Valley Autism Alert Card.
If you have any questions about the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card, call 01189 594 594 (option 1) or email us at contact@autismberkshire.org.uk – and please contact us for assistance to apply for an alert card if you are not able to fill in the application form yourself.
- If you lose your alert card, or want to change the names or telephone numbers of the emergency contacts on the back of the card, then we will issue a replacement free of charge. Contact us using the details above and include your full postal address and the card number, if you know it.
The Thames Valley Autism Alert Card scheme is supported by Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire Council, Autism Berkshire and Talkback.
Funding for the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card scheme has been donated by Omnia, as part of its support for charities. The outsourcing company, which is based in Reading, provides payroll, human resources and employee engagement services to small & medium enterprises.
Further funding has come from the Omnia Health Group, which provides behavioural support and therapy services.
