Aspergers101- Autism Level 1

Strong partnerships help create safer and more inclusive communities.

Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s Texas Driving with Disability webinar hosted in partnership with the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

The event highlighted exciting updates to the Texas Driving with Disability Program, including new driver license and ID card designation options intended to support better communication between Texans with disabilities and law enforcement officers. Learn more about the program at www.TexasDrivingwithDisability.com.

Photo Credit: Crystal Ross

Jennifer Allen started out with a love of writing, broadcasting and journalism, but ultimately pivoted to public service.

FULL STORY IN COMMENTS👇

This is what I wish I had when my son Sam begin driving. Free full-resource (flipbook) for parents, and their children who are considering driving with tips from Texas DPS, suggested forms to participate, and questionnaires when on the fence about driving with ADD. Dr. Temple Grandin wrote the forward and contributed to the section on autism, and Emma Faye Rudkin with Aid the Silent wrote the forward and contributed to the section for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing. Feel free to share should you know a parent or teen/adult considering getting their driver license.

Handbook: Texas Driving with Disability The 37-page Texas Driving with Disability handbook was created to support parents and their children with disabilities or communication challenges as they explore the path toward driving independence, safety, and successful interaction with law enforcement.

What does Texas offer to support individuals with autism and communication disorders in acquiring a driver's license? Jennifer Allen was asked about the recent updates from Texas DPS to the Texas Driving with Disability initiative and her personal journey with her son, to take on groundbreaking change to our state.

New driver’s license symbol aids people with communication differences The voluntary license designation, along with training for police officers, is aimed at making law enforcement interactions safer for people with autism, hearing loss or other disabilities.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in partnership with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), has made changes to Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) cards under the Texas Driving with Disability Program to improve communication between law enforcement and ALL Texans.

Now, customers participating in the Texas Driving with Disability Program can have the “Communication Impediment” or the new “Deaf/Hard of Hearing” option placed on the front of their DL or ID card – allowing them to alert law enforcement that they have a disability or health condition that may impede their ability to communicate.

To learn more about Texas Driving with Disability and how to apply for one of these DL or ID cards, visit: bit.ly/4dlv49x.

Looking for resources for driving with autism? The Texas Driving with Disability program will be announcing free resources and updates to the program via Press Conference & Webinar. You can join (of course free) by registering at the link provided below.
Date & Time: May 19, 2026 10:00 AM in
DescriptionThe Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), will host a live “Driving with Disability” webinar on May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (CST), highlighting major developments in Texas’ first-of-its-kind statewide Driving with Disability program.

Featured presentations will include:
• Updates to the redesigned Texas driver license and identification card
• Information on enrolling in the Driving with Disability program
• Driver education options and available accommodations
• New educational resources for families and individuals with disabilities
• Driving with Disability Training Resources: For Parents, Citizens, and Texas Law Enforcement
• Perspectives from Texans participating in the program

Attendees will hear from GCPD, DPS, TxDMV, Jennifer Allen and Samuel Allen regarding the continued expansion of accessibility and communication resources across Texas. The event will be held virtually via Zoom and is open to the public.

txgov-us.zoomgov.com

Today is World Autism Awareness Day and the month of April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month here in Texas. Both are a time to recognize those on the autism spectrum and encourage greater understanding of autism across our schools, workplaces, communities, and public services.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disability that can affect communication, behavior, sensory processing, and social interaction. Because autism exists on a spectrum, each person’s strengths, needs, and experiences may look different.
Families, educators, employers, service providers, and community organizations can all play a role in supporting those with autism. Some of that support may include:
clear and accessible communication,
sensory considerations, when possible,
appropriate services and accommodations,
support for educational and employment goals, and
access to community-based resources. As Sam said many years ago, "Don't think of autism as a weight, but a pair of wings in which to fly." Indeed!