It is true that neurodiversity is being portrayed in increasingly negative ways in the media, particularly social media, and in everyday casual conversations and I agree with much of what you say. 

Negative remarks about autism have gone from “we’re all a little bit autistic” and “you don’t look autistic”, to something more alarming such as “autistic people are worthless” and “autistic people are dangerous”. When referring to people who have been charged to court for assault or murder, I have heard comments such as “I suppose he will claim to be autistic”. 

I don’t see a problem with changing the wording on the Seritag to something that shows it’s an emergency contact device. Then it could be used by every person who is vulnerable whether or not neurodivergent. Children, adults with learning difficulties, stroke patients, cancer patients and older people could all potentially benefit from the device. 

In the meantime, I am relying on my Apple Watch and iPhone  to alert the emergency services if I have an accident or I’m incapacitated. My contact details and medical history are available and according to Apple, can be accessed by the emergency services, without access to other phone data.

Unknown said:

I believe the wearable tech product / pilot project demonstrates good intentions

I'm very wary of this as it has some anchors in history where a group of people needed to be easily identifiable for reasons that only became apparent later.

Look at what RFK Jr is doing in the US with wanting a national register of autists while saying he wants to eliminate it (through banning vaccines initially but when this doesn't work, what next?) - it all makes it too easy for the sort of facist regiemes to consider now they are gaining more traction in power around the world.

I get that the intentions at the moment are good, but it makes it much too easy for bad actors to consider taking us all into "care homes" in the future to make sure we get the care we deserve. with us being collectively such a drag on benefits then it would be easy to justify the first steps.

Should a far right party get into power here and start learning from Trump, this becomes much too uncomfortable a possibility.

I agree that the choice of language in the BBC article and on the Seritag is off putting.

’Neurodiversity IDs (NDIDs)’ suggests that the ID is neurodivergent. If I overlook the grammar, it suggests to me that the purpose of the tag is to identify neurodivergent individuals through an embedded chip in the wristband. That feels disrespectful, so the name of the tag should be changed to reflect a person who might need help. 

The NFC scan symbol on the wristband is adjacent to ‘Devon & Cornwall POLICE’. The symbol might be better placed elsewhere because the wearer might need help from a service other than the police. 

The wording on the Seritag should be changed to show that all the emergency services can scan the wristband if the wearer needs help.

Those who might benefit from wearing a Seritag might not want everyone to see a connection between neurodiversity, ids and the police. 

I worry that a distinctive identifier like this will advertise that the wearer may be vulnerable and a good target for any kind of miscreant.

I agree. It looks like good idea until you think about what will happen in real life.

I understand the emergency services may want something easily visible, but it would mark you out in general, perhaps making you more identifiable to those that would take advantage. I would think something more discrete would be better.

Besides, a plastic strap on your arm is not very comfortable, especially in hot weather.

But perhaps it is intended for those that have more significant support needs who may not be out and about on their own much.

Perhaps I look at things too negatively.