The New York State Police have introduced a new initiative aimed at improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum. The Autism Awareness Visor Card Program is designed to facilitate clearer communication and reduce misunderstandings during public encounters.
Autism spectrum disorder diagnoses have risen significantly over the past several decades, with current estimates suggesting that about one in 45 adults in the United States is on the spectrum. Common traits may include difficulty with social interaction and communication, repetitive behaviors, and increased sensitivity to sensory input such as light, sound, or smell. These factors can present challenges in situations that require following instructions or answering questions, potentially complicating encounters with police.
Given that state police engage in more than one million public interactions each year, the program was developed to provide officers with a practical tool for these situations. The visor card contains visual icons that can be used to help guide communication, offering a way to reduce confusion and ease stress during encounters.
Each patrol vehicle will carry a card, and members of the public will have the option to download and print it from the New York State Police website. The program will be implemented statewide in the coming weeks.
The card is available online at: Autism Awareness Visor Card PDF.
Join the family! 
