An autistic spectrum disorder is a complex and disabling lifelong condition which affects a persons ability to communicate and relate to people around them. The term 'autistic spectrum' is often used because the condition varies from person to person: some people with the condition may also have accompanying learning disabilities, while others have average or above average intelligence.

Asperger syndrome is a condition at the more able end of this spectrum. At the less able end is Kanner syndrome, sometimes referred to as classic autism. Despite all of the wide-ranging differences, everyone with the condition has difficulty with social interaction, social communication and imagination.

People with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) often rigidly follow fixed routines. Their behaviour may be erratic because they are susceptible to stress and panic, and find it difficult to deal with unexpected events. It is common for them to have sensory problems such as oversensitivity to noise.

Although ASD is not typically linked with physical disability, a person on the autistic spectrum may well meet the criterion for a Blue Badge because they experience considerable difficulty in walking.

The following difficulties may affect people with an autistic spectrum disorder.

Social interaction:

• Lack of social motivation may lead to the person with ASD behaving in socially unacceptable ways, such as sitting down in the middle of a busy road.

Imagination:

• A child or adult on the autistic spectrum will have no sense of danger if distracted by one of their interests, or affected by an irrational fear.

Sensory perception:

• People with ASD do not perceive the world in the same way as other people, and may become transfixed by sounds and lights when on a busy road.

Adherence to routine:

• Children and adults on the autistic spectrum may become distressed by any forced change to their routines and react impulsively without realising the danger they put themselves in.

Behaviour:

• Some local authorities recognise that if a child with ASD regularly refuses to walk or will sit down in the street and not move, then this constitutes considerable difficulty in walking.
• Anxiety and stress can lead to extreme challenging behaviours such as running away. Crowded streets and busy places are common situations people with ASD find stressful, and families find difficult to avoid.

Communication:

• If a person with ASD runs away their difficulties with communication render them particularly vulnerable.

Common physical difficulties:

• Problems of unusual gait are common in autistic spectrum disorders and may have a serious impact on mobility.
• Many people with ASD have dyspraxia which affects their motor co-ordination, causing difficulties with walking and exhaustion if they have to walk far.

Autistic spectrum disorder is a complex and subtle condition, and the impact it has on an individuals life can be hard to predict. There is increased risk of danger to the person with ASD and to others, as drivers may become impatient in certain situations.

Some people with ASD who do not receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance would still qualify for a Blue Badge because they meet the criterion of having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking, as described above. This is a discretionary criterion, and open to interpretation. Some local authorities have a more generous attitude to autistic spectrum disorders. The NAS strongly recommends that social services departments give serious consideration to requests for Blue Badges from parents or guardians of people with ASD.

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Last updated: Feb 2005