ELKHART, Ind. -- Everyday errands just got a bit safer for people on the autism spectrum and their caregivers.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles will allow caregivers and families of autistic people disability parking placards.

Claudia Carrillo is a stay-at-home mom of 3. Her kids are 3, 4 and 6 years old. Like most parents, safety is a priority, especially when getting out of the car in a busy parking lot.

"It's a lot, and it can be very chaotic at times. So, what we actually had to do was put the safety lock on our doors on our vehicle," explained Carrillo.

Child lock is just one safety precaution, especially for her son who was recently diagnosed with level 2 autism spectrum disorder. Claudia says he's a runner in parking lots. That's why she plans to get a placard.

"It's just closer access to the front door of whatever building we're going to, and just kind of a little safety measure for my safety as well, just so I know that they're closer."

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles says parents or caregivers may now apply for a disability placard on behalf of an individual diagnosed with level 2 or level 3 autism spectrum disorder.

Eligible caregivers can apply by completing an Application for Disability License Plate or Parking Placard. Information in Section 1 will need to reflect the person living with autism. Section 2 should include information from the caregiver. Section 4 of the form will need to be completed by a certified health care provider. Applicable health care professionals include:

• A physician with a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
• An advanced practice registered nurse with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-23.
• A physician assistant with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-27.5.

The application may be submitted to any BMV branch or mailed to the address listed on the application.

If a caregiver wants to apply by mail, the BMV recommends downloading the Disability License Plate and Placard Application Mail-In Checklist. It includes step-by-step mailing instructions and a list of everything you need to include with your application.

Terry Cook, The BMV's Executive Director of Registrations, is a foster parent of five. Two of his kids are on the spectrum. So, if you're wondering how this Policy Came to be, it was shaped by people with first-hand experience.

Primarily the advantage is again, when you look at a parking lot like a big superstore with thousands of spots, the ability to be able to park closer to the entrance and minimize the risk of your child being running out into the traffic and so I think that from a caregiver’s perspective again, it gives us a peace of mind knowing that we’re able to park closer, we reduce the risk to our children and our loved ones and so I think that’s really what this is all about," shared Cook.