Autism Alert Cards and MedicAlert Jewelry

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My counselor recently suggested that I get an autism alert card and/or a MedicAlert bracelet for my Aspergers. I have a moderate case of Aspergers and a severe case of General Anxiety Disorder, but I can still appear and act somewhat normal in most situations. My counselor suggested it because I have sensory issues with yelling and sirens and anxiety can overload me. My college experiences about 1-3 tornado warnings a year and every time that siren goes off I am overloaded and become unresponsive. Someone usually has to help me to the basement. Also, if an officer were to ever pull me over I am afraid my nervousness/issues with being yelled at could land me in trouble. While I see the wisdom in my counselor's advice, I also do not want to make my autism even more noticeable. I can appear normal and none of my employers know of my diagnosis.

Do any of you have a bracelet/carry or card? If so, has it helped you in a situation? Is this a practical suggestion for me to get one or both? Also, where do you get autism alert cards in America? Thanks!

Last edited by ChristinaTheHobbit on 08 Jul 2013, 2:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I don't carry one, but I've seen this before. Seems like it would be a good thing to hand an officer with your license if you haven't shut down completely. A bracelet would be a good idea if you did shutdown as they are easily visible and officers should be trained to look for them. You could have the bracelet refer to the card, so they could have more info. Also, you might want to tape the card to the top of your window so when it is rolled down you can just point to it or have it easily seen by the officer.

As far as tornado sirens go, you might want to alert others who live around you ahead of time about your shutdowns in those situations, so they can be on the look out for you.

oops, forgot the link: http://internationalsocietyforautism.or ... urs-today/

I didn't like AANE's card, so I made my own (but I need to print it still - I don't have a way to laminate it is the problem).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zYP ... HF52wE/pub

The top one of that is what I put together to use.

I personally do want a medicalert bracelet and think I need one, but I keep obsessing over it instead of actually ordering one.

--

The people who I was working with on making that one (because I was working with others), did specify that I should include "I am disabled" because that's a key phrase for getting attention. Requesting to be treated a particular manner because of disability is different than because of wanting to. I am disabled, so I should say "I am disabled, this is how I need you to treat me" not "I'd rather be treated this way".

it doesnt matter of the severity of ASD as to whether its a need or not,if have got any additional or complex needs arising from autism then its worth getting one,they are not very expensive.

had bought one many years ago as am a 'runner' and used to run away a lot due to living in hellish abusive residential homes,there was one time the cops thought was a fourteen year old who had ran away from the local naughty childrens home, was sat on a wet road outside someones drive lining up stones,rocking and told later by staff was un responsive,they were respectful but didnt understand was non verbal,what echolalia and vocalizing were or trained in makaton,and they also knocked a load of years off life,am sure some people like that but seriously its not compliment if are looking at being dragged into a home for wayward youth.

the bracelet had saved many situations from getting worser,as it at least provided them with some understanding and it looks pretty awesome to,it doesnt have a big obvious neon sign attached saying 'hey,special person here',theres nothing to be afraid of them.
mine was from the kids range because of sensory issues with all other forms of jewellery,this one is clothy type, and even though its from the kids range they clearly were accomodating obese kids because they obviously fit these wrists.

have got a big casefile built up in our local police station but not as in criminal reports,it helps that they have information such as how to deal with self on record,photograph etc.

this is mine;looking worse for wear and hasnt been used for no idea how long because am living in a secure residential centre now,it is cleverely advertised by the week old chick of mine;manny;
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/newuploads/qqq6y.jpg

Love the chick

I don't have any jewellery, but do have the NAS card, which I laminated to cut down on wear and tear. Luckily my Autism is fairly mild, so I can usually manage to speak up for myself, but its nice to know that the card is there if I ever feel too overwhelmed

    Cards are a really good idea I think. I could never make one that was less than 11 pages long. lol

    On the other hand if you know specifically what triggers you, those can be permanently resolved in a happy way.
    StabilizingAutism/unsolicited-advice and StabilizingAutism/what-par-can-do
    It's free (for now) if you want to try it out.
    Donations to help homeless Aspies are always welcome. =)

Ah! Your chick is quite good at this advertising I see how a bracelet could be helpful as I am a long distance walker (I go upwards of 8 miles everyday) and also have food allergies. Thanks!

My mom made me wear a medical id bracelet during my K-8 years in school...but then I stopped wearing it once I got into high school. I didn't like the clunky bracelet...it was ugly and it just brought me unwanted attention. But my little cousin wears an id bracelet for her peanut allergy. Her bracelet is pretty nice looking. Now that I'm in college, I started to consider buying a new one...right now I just have my wallet card. I've been looking at hopepaige, laurenshope, and medicalert websites for a new id bracelet...I think most of them also come with a wallet card.