Imagine you're pulled over for a routine traffic stop, and the officer approaching your car doesn’t understand that you process information differently. For many people with autism, this is a real and frightening scenario. But now, North Carolina is taking steps to change that.

The North Carolina House of Representatives has recently passed a bill designed to make traffic stops safer and less stressful for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This legislation, House Bill 21, could have a lasting impact not only on drivers but also on families, caregivers, and support organizations across the state.

What the Bill Proposes

House Bill 21 would allow individuals to voluntarily add an autism notification to their DMV record, which officers can see when they look up a driver's license. The intent is simple but powerful: help law enforcement officers understand they’re interacting with someone who may communicate, react, or behave differently due to autism.

In addition to the driver designation, the bill also requires law enforcement training on how to interact with people on the autism spectrum. That combination—pre-notification and education—has the potential to prevent misunderstandings, reduce stress, and improve outcomes during encounters on the road.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Autism is more commonly diagnosed than ever before. In 2000, just 1 in 150 children was diagnosed with ASD. As of 2020, that number had grown to 1 in 36. And those children grow into adults—many of whom drive, work, and live independently.

The reality is, more adults with autism are on the roads now than at any other time in history. And yet, many public systems—including traffic law enforcement—are only beginning to catch up. Misunderstandings during traffic stops can lead to unnecessary escalations. This bill is a step toward protecting drivers with autism by helping officers understand the context of the person they're interacting with.

What Families and Advocates Are Saying

Many in the autism community welcome this move, especially with the built-in privacy of the designation—it appears only in electronic DMV records, not on the physical license or vehicle. This helps reduce the risk of discrimination, a concern raised by advocates and parents of individuals with ASD.

Of course, the bill isn’t perfect. Some lawmakers expressed concern that the officer may not see the designation early enough in a traffic stop. Others proposed ideas like visual placards or license plate indicators—but those raise concerns about singling people out too visibly. Still, the bill passed with unanimous support in the House, signaling strong bipartisan agreement on the need to improve how we support drivers with autism.

What This Means for Families Seeking Autism Support in North Carolina

For parents, caregivers, and individuals navigating the autism spectrum, legislation like this reinforces the need for strong community support, ongoing education, and specialized services.

At Achieve Better, we understand the daily challenges families face—from communication struggles to safety concerns in public spaces. That’s why we provide ABA therapy in North Carolina that’s customized to the unique needs of each child and family.

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is a proven, evidence-based approach that helps individuals with autism build essential life skills, including communication, self-regulation, and social interaction. These are the very skills that can improve not just personal outcomes, but also public interactions—like those with law enforcement.

Your Child Deserves a Future Where They’re Understood

We believe that creating a more inclusive, informed community starts at the individual level. This new bill is a step in the right direction—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Comprehensive, compassionate therapy and support are still vital.

Get in touch today to learn how our ABA therapy services in North Carolina can help your child achieve more, feel safer, and build the confidence to thrive—in every setting.

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