Living with autism
A custom engraved medical ID is recommended for those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 1 in 54 children in the U.S. have autism – and the rate of diagnosis has doubled since 2004. Currently there are more than 3.5 million Americans living with ASD.
What is autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood. It can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.
Autism is classified a spectrum disorder. That means that there is a broad range of developmental challenges that some may face – and that every person with autism will have a different expression of the disorder.
There is no one type of autism. Autism can be influenced by several genetic and environmental factors. Each person with autism is not alike, and each has their area of strengths and challenges. Those with autism learn, think and manage daily living activities across a wide range of capabilities – from highly skilled to very challenging. Some with ASD may require daily living assistance, while others need less support and will live independently.
The development of autism can be accompanied by other medical conditions like sleep disorders, seizures, or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In addition, mental health challenges such as anxiety, social anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may develop.
Early identification and diagnosis is critical, as research shows that early interventions can have a significant long-term positive effect on symptoms and skill development.
The importance of an autism medical ID bracelet
Wearing a medical ID at all times ensures your medical conditions are immediately known in an emergency.
When first responders see a MedicAlert ID, they know to contact MedicAlert to get your complete health record.
Get protected 24/7 with a medical ID and membership
Why is an autism medical ID necessary?
If you’re a parent or caregiver of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) the fear of your loved one wandering is very real. Children who do wander may become lost, scared and confused. They may be unable to communicate their name, address or phone number. Kids with autism are often attracted to water, but do not have a well-developed sense of danger. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children with ASD.
Because autism is an invisible condition, it’s difficult to identify if someone needs medical attention or wandered – and first responders may not recognize the condition in an emergency. Medical IDs can alert others that a person has autism. A medical bracelet for autism can help protect you or your loved one. An autism medical alert bracelet can communicate to Good Samaritans, law enforcement and first responders, that the person:
- Has Autism or ASD
- Is nonverbal or has limited communication abilities
- Lives with other medical conditions such as seizure or allergies
- Takes specific medications
- Is prone to wander from a safe environment
What is MedicAlert’s autism wandering support service?
Pairing a custom engraved autism ID with a MedicAlert membership ensures safety in a case of wandering from a safe environment. Nearly half the individuals with developmental disabilities are prone to wandering. MedicAlert has a tried and tested service to improve outcomes in wandering incidents. How? When someone is reported lost, has wandered, or is found by a Good Samaritan or first responder, our 24/7 Wandering Support® team works with local authorities to reunite our members with their loved ones. Our team:
- Creates missing person flyers and distribute to local authorities
- Notifies emergency contacts
- Relays critical medical and identifying information to local authorities
These are the actions that can save a life. That’s why a MedicAlert ID will help ensure the safety of those living with autism.
What should I engrave on an autism medical ID?
MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our medical ID products. The engraving on an autism medical ID should include any critical medical information that can protect and save your life if you are in an accident or have a medical emergency, including:
- Autism or development disability
- Other medical conditions
- Medications
- Implanted devices
- Allergies
- Any additional medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
Autistic Self Advocacy Network is committed to providing solutions – across the spectrum and throughout the life span – for individuals living with autism.
Feel confident and enjoy peace of mind
Our 24/7 services protect people of all ages and types of medical conditions, like allergies, from communicating your health information, to storing your care wishes, to reuniting loved ones, we’re there when you need us.