New Jersey to Introduce Autism Notation on Driver’s Licenses: Bridging Communication Gaps
In a significant stride toward enhancing interactions between law enforcement and the autism community, New Jersey is set to introduce the option of a notation for autism on driver’s licenses later this year. The move is aimed at fostering better communication and understanding between individuals on the autism spectrum and law enforcement personnel.
The legislation, signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy last year, empowers the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to provide, upon request, a notation on the driver’s license of individuals with autism, indicating their condition. Advocates, including professionals at REED Autism Services in Franklin Lakes, commend the initiative, emphasizing its potential to benefit both the autism community and law enforcement.
Dr. David Wilson, Chief Clinical Officer at REED Autism Services, believes that the notation will play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap. Individuals with autism often experience anxiety or uncertainty during interactions with law enforcement. The notation serves as a prompt for officers, indicating that the individual may not respond in a typical manner.
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“I think it’ll go a long way in bridging the communication gap between law enforcement or any community help or provider and the autism community,” says Dr. Wilson. The move acknowledges the importance of increasing safety for individuals with autism during law enforcement encounters.
A study by Autism Speaks revealed that one-third of teens with autism obtain a driver’s license. The introduction of an autism notation aims to create awareness among law enforcement officers about the unique needs and responses of individuals on the spectrum.
Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Executive Director of Autism New Jersey, applauds the initiative and highlights the positive response from law enforcement. Autism New Jersey is launching an initiative to collaborate with police at local and state levels, recognizing the need for increased understanding and support.
“We recognized it as something that was essential to increasing safety for individuals with autism,” notes Dr. Buchanan. The autism notation on driver’s licenses is expected to serve as a valuable tool for law enforcement officers, prompting a more informed and empathetic approach during interactions with individuals on the spectrum.
While the exact placement of the notation on the license is yet to be determined, the overall goal is to create a safer and more inclusive environment for individuals with autism during traffic stops or other encounters with law enforcement. As the implementation progresses, it marks a positive step toward building a more understanding and supportive community for those on the autism spectrum.
