A NEW autism awareness card has been launched Wiltshire with the aim of making a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people living with the condition in the county.

Branches of the National Autistic Society (NAS) have joined forces with Wiltshire Police to promote the card, which will be available to anyone on the autistic spectrum living in the county.

The card will enable anyone with autism to have appropriate support during contact with the police and emergency services and will enable the police to access information and care for the person with autism in an appropriate manner.

One of the prime movers behind the initiative is Dave King, editor of the Journal’s sister paper, the Swindon Advertiser.

He said: "This card is about providing greater understanding of autism among the likes of the police, probation and key figures in the criminal justice system to help them in their work "And it is also about providing a layer of protection and help to those on the autistic spectrum. Their disability is blind, but this card provides a beacon of hope."

Although the precise numbers of those with autism in Wiltshire is unknown, it is believed the figure amounts to several thousand.

A person with autism is seven times more likely to have contact with the police than an average person - their verbal ability sometimes masks their understanding as someone with autism has extreme difficulty making sense of their words.

This can occasionally lead to inappropriate behaviour, which some may find challenging, especially when the person is anxious.

As a result, NAS in Swindon has been working closely with Wiltshire Police over the past 18 months to introduce the card.

Officers are receiving special training and literature is being distributed about police stations across the country.

Friday's launch at police headquarters in Devizes was attended by Wiltshire Police's divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Hedley, along with autism groups, charities and community health organisations from across the county.

Chief Inspector Bob Edge, from Wiltshire Police, said he was delighted to see the introduction of the card.

He explained: "As an organisation we have a legal and vested duty to deliver equality and diversity.

" It's not just a matter of ticking a box though, this Autism Alert Card is about building relationships within the community and ensuring that every day we deliver an honest, fair and equal policing service to everyone."

To get hold of an autism alert card apply online to www.autismalertwilts.com.