General emergency guidance — not a personal medical record.
If there is immediate danger, severe trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, a serious injury, or you are unsure whether the situation is life-threatening, call 911 now and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Autism & Communication
Support communication
- Approach calmly, identify yourself, and explain what you are doing before you do it.
- Use direct, literal language and one instruction or question at a time.
- Allow extra processing time. Do not treat a delayed or absent spoken response as refusal or lack of understanding.
- Offer writing, typing, pictures, gestures, or yes/no choices. Respect the person’s usual communication method.
Reduce distress
- Lower noise, bright light, crowding, and unnecessary touch where possible.
- Do not force eye contact. Avoid sudden physical contact unless needed for immediate safety.
- Ask whether a support person, comfort item, headphones, or quiet space would help.
Call 911 now if
- The person is in immediate danger, seriously injured, unresponsive, or having severe trouble breathing.
- There is a medical emergency separate from autism.
Sources: NHS England — health and care passports; National Autistic Society — autism and communication.
Important
- Look for a medical ID, emergency card, phone Medical ID, or caregiver contact.
- Do not assume this page describes the person’s diagnosis, medicines, allergies, or personal care plan.
- Do not give medicine, food, or drink unless the person’s own plan or emergency professionals direct you and it is safe to do so.
- Stay with the person when it is safe, protect their privacy, and give responders the time symptoms began and what you observed.
CareID Alert provides general educational guidance only. It does not replace 911, professional medical advice, or a person-specific emergency plan.