New Blue Envelope program to help drivers with autism during traffic stops in Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new statewide program in Illinois aims to make traffic stops less stressful for drivers on the autism spectrum while helping police officers better understand and respond to their reactions.

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Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the statewide Blue Envelope Program.

It allows drivers on the autism spectrum to store important documents in a blue envelope that notifies officers about their condition during a traffic stop.

Zak Srdanovich, 21, has been driving since he got his learner's permit. Just like most motorists, he keeps his license and registration readily available, but now stores them in a blue envelope.

Srdanovich, who is on the autism spectrum, said he is glad to have the resource available.

"It feels great to have. Thank God I haven't had to use it yet," he said.

Giannoulias said the envelope can hold key driving documents while also providing guidance during a traffic stop.

"You can store your registration, your insurance, even your driver's license in this blue envelope. It also provides detailed instructions to the individual being pulled over," Giannoulias said.

30 states have similar programs, according to the Organization for Autism Research.

In Illinois, Autism Hero Project reports that 80 police departments have been trained on the Blue Envelope Program.

Tamika Lecheé Morales, founder of Autism Hero Project, said anxiety during a traffic stop can make communication difficult for some people on the autism spectrum.

"When you have anxiety and then you, like, fidget, right, you might get nervous and your mind will just go blank," she said.

The Elgin Police Department is among the agencies trained on the program.

"It's peace of mind and it's twofold. It's not just for the officers, it's peace of mind for the caregivers and the individuals with autism as well," said Detective Chad Benavidez of the Elgin Police Department.

Srdanovich recalled being pulled over several years ago in the western suburbs, describing how anxiety affected his ability to communicate with the officer.

"My communication then was probably very broken up. I was extremely anxious at the time. I was just trying to do my best to just cope," he said.

"Him not being able to speak because he is just shutting down because of all the anxiety it really would have been awesome to have had the use envelope at that time," his mother Tamara Srdanovich said.

The program is voluntary and is intended to increase awareness that drivers on the autism spectrum may react differently during traffic stops.

Blue Envelopes will be available at Department of Motor Vehicles facilities and participating police stations beginning January 1.

Some police departments have already started distributing them.