A new idea proposed at a national law enforcement convention, has inspired Marion County Attorney Ed Bull to try out a new program locally which would be helpful to police, and those on the autism spectrum.

Bull recently attended the Crimes Against Children national convention in Dallas, Texas; he learned about the “blue card” system – a special ID card meant to be carried by those on the autism spectrum, alerting police about any potential communication problems they may have with an individual.

Bull says persons with autism can have a variety of reactions to questioning from law enforcement, be they victim, witness or possible suspect. He tells KNIA/KRLS News this blue card will let officers know who they’re dealing with, and give them an idea of how to approach the person involved.

“We do know that some of the behaviors of individuals with autism — the flapping of their arms, the pacing, the inability to communicate — unfortunately sometimes mirrors a person who may be under the influence or suffering from some type of mental health breakdown,” Bull says. “There’s a much different way that law enforcement’s going to treat a person they believe who’s under the influence of a narcotic, versus a person who has a diagnosed medical condition.”

The card is meant as a heads-up to police; Bull says it’s not meant to excuse the holder if they are implicated in an offense, but can help police keep the situation from escalating.

Bull says his office will have more information about blue cards in the coming months, for anyone interested in obtaining one.