Logan's health passport

Logan’s health passport

I came across this health passport while trawling the web for – not that, but something else (that’s how ADHD-ers roll). I thought it was a great idea and wanted to share it with my clients and colleagues who are autistic.

You know the inner conflict that you have when you’re feeling overloaded, overwhelmed, or overstimulated and yet you need to make your way through an environment? Perhaps there’s something you have to get done but it feels like there’s too much going on.

If you can find a kind person who can just read your health passport and respond to your needs it can reduce demands such as masking, let alone then articulating your needs in that moment.

Here’s some of the characteristics of Logan’s passport that I thought are especially helpful:

  1. Simple, clear handwriting (if it was me it would have to be typed!)
  2. Unashamed declaration of autism. This should be no more remarkable than saying “I have arthritis, I can’t open this jar” or “I have poor hearing in this ear. Would you mind speaking from that side?”
  3. Use of color to highlight what you want people to pay attention to
  4. A thank you at the end in appreciation of your ally’s consideration – builds a more ally-rich environment.

I’m not autistic, but here are a few suggestions for your health passport:

  • Specify the things the other person can do that will help. Rather than “I hate bright lights” or “bright lighting confuses me” say “please keep the lights dim”.
  • Remind them of how the outcome they want will be better if they take your needs into consideration.
  • Keep the document shortish. You also don’t want to overwhelm the other person! I think Logan’s passport is about the right length for someone in most administrative non-emergency situations.

Thanks Logan – a very smart person. Seems like a good way to prevent autistic burnout.

I’m not autistic, so I don’t know if this is helpful. If you’re autistic and have some suggestions on how this post could be improved, please post your ideas in the comments section below. All welcome, but please be respectful.