Father’s autism card campaign attracts cross-party support

An Arbroath dad’s campaign for a Scottish Governmentapproved card for vulnerable people with autism has received a boost from the Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs.

Under the proposals put forward by Mark Davies, whose son Eli, 11, has autism, the card would be issued by a GP or other healthcare provider and would help first responders, such as police officers, to deal appropriately with those who have autism spectrum disorder.

The Lothian MSP said: “I commend Mark Davies for his very positive initiative in pushing for a national autism alert card.

“Such a scheme clearly has great potential and would be of real benefit both to people with autism and those interacting with them in public services and other areas.

“I welcome the fact that Mr Davies’ proposal is going to be raised with the Scottish Government and I hope they will be willing to work with autism charities and others to scope out the feasibility of introducing this card.

“More generally, I’m fully supportive of any initiatives designed to increase awareness and understanding of autism so people with the condition of all ages are able to access services on a fair and equal basis.”

Angus South SNP MSP Graeme Dey has already undertaken to raise the project at the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on autism.

Charlene Tait, director of autism practice and research at Scottish Autism, also backed the move, arguing there “would be merit in developing a standard, nationwide card.”

Mr Davies: “I very much welcome this extra support.”