Help make Vermont safer and more understanding for autistic individuals

We are asking the State of Vermont to create a voluntary autism communication designation that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or their guardians when appropriate, may choose to add to a Vermont driver's license or state identification card.

Autism affects communication, processing, and responses to stressful situations in many different ways. Some autistic individuals are nonverbal. Others may struggle to answer questions quickly, make eye contact, follow multiple instructions at once, or regulate their emotions when overwhelmed.

During an interaction with law enforcement or first responders, these differences can sometimes be misunderstood. A person who is overwhelmed or unable to respond as expected may be seen as refusing to cooperate when they are actually experiencing an autism-related response.

Vermont has already taken a positive step with the Blue Envelope Program for autistic drivers. However, a driver's license or state ID designation would provide another layer of safety for autistic individuals in situations beyond a traffic stop, including people who do not drive, passengers, pedestrians, and anyone who may need to identify themselves.

This designation would be:

Voluntary — no one would be required to disclose their diagnosis.

A choice — autistic individuals and families could decide if it benefits them.

A communication tool — not a label, but a way to encourage understanding.

A safety measure — helping reduce misunderstandings between autistic individuals and first responders.

I am the parent of an 11-year-old autistic child. I am thinking about the future—when my son is older, driving, carrying an ID, and navigating the world more independently. I want him and other autistic individuals to have every possible tool available to help them be understood and safe.

I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for recognition that communication differences can have serious consequences during stressful encounters. If a simple, voluntary designation can help prevent even one misunderstanding, it is worth considering.

Please sign this petition and support asking Vermont lawmakers and the Department of Motor Vehicles to explore creating a voluntary autism communication designation on state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses.

Together, we can work toward a Vermont where everyone has a better chance of being understood.