Occasionally a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop may pull over a driver who may be on the autistic disorder spectrum. The confusion generated by the stop on both the driver and a police patrol officer may lead to difficulties, anxiety or conditions that might hurt their ability to communicate effectively.

Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Lehigh County Chiefs of Police Association are joining forces to launch a “Blue Envelope Program” to help special-needs drivers and law enforcement better connect when they interact.

The free program is primarily aimed at drivers with autism spectrum disorder and also can apply to those with other communications difficulties, anxiety or conditions that might hurt their ability to communicate during a traffic stop, accident or other interactions with police.

Under the program, drivers would carry a blue envelope in their vehicle. The front of the envelope notes the driver is on the autism spectrum and indicates if that person is verbal or nonverbal. It includes instructions for the driver on what they should do during a traffic stop. The back of the envelope has tips for police to help their interaction with the driver go as smoothly as possible.

Inside the envelope is a sheet explaining the Blue Envelope Program and provides contact information for those who would be able to provide medical information or assistance in interacting with the driver if that becomes necessary. The sheet explains ASD can impair the driver’s ability to communicate, they may have difficulty understanding or responding to questions or display physical signs of being uncomfortable.

Drivers in the program are instructed to let law enforcement know they have a blue envelope and to retrieve the envelope when asked by police. It’s recommended ASD and other special-needs drivers keep their driver’s license, registration and insurance information in the blue envelope along with the information sheet containing the emergency contacts.

“Traffic stops can be high-stress situations for most people, and for those with ASD or other conditions, even more so,” Salisbury Township Chief of Police Donald Sabo said. “Being pulled over by a police officer can make anyone anxious,” Sabo said.

“Between the nerves, the flashing lights and the sounds of a siren or police radio, a routine traffic stop can become a heightened situation.

“This program helps interactions go as smoothly and positively as possible. The blue envelope is something all officers in Lehigh County will be trained on and recognize,” Sabo said.

Pediatrician Dr. Jill Colabroy, with LVPG Pediatrics, says the program creates a meaningful bridge between drivers and police. “This is an excellent initiative to help people with autism successfully navigate a traffic stop. Speaking with law enforcement in a stressful situation, such as a traffic stop, can be difficult for many teens and young adults. This simple communication tool can help ease that discomfort and it’s a great way to build awareness and enhance interactions,” Colabroy said.

The blue envelope program came to the Lehigh Valley almost by accident. Salisbury Township Police Department Sgt. Charles Whitehead read an article in a Lehigh Valley publication describing the program’s success at a northern New Jersey police department. He sought further information, then shared details with family members who had a relative on the autistic spectrum.

The family members provided positive feedback and encouraged Whitehead to spearhead a program in Lehigh County.

Whitehead pitched the idea to Sabo, who then brought it up at a meeting of the Lehigh County Chiefs of Police Association. With their endorsement, Sabo partnered with the health network to bring the program into reality.

Blue envelopes can be obtained in several ways: from a police department in Lehigh County, at Lehigh Valley Physician Group Pediatrics offices or by requesting one at LVHN.org/blueenvelope.

The patient and family information page inside the envelope is available in English and Spanish.