As someone who has 2 Grandchildren on the Autistic Spectrum and works with children on the AS, I am all for this.
The Children are not made to wear them, it is their choice, the new national scheme 'Can You See Me' offers children cards to carry and wristbands that hopefully will grow to become recognised by Shops, Libraries, Bus companies etc.
Airports already issue lanyards at the parents request that can be worn in the airport.
The idea is that people will be more patient when dealing with these children and adults.
AS for the statement that the child looked 'normal' that is exactly right, there is no 'Autistic look' .
Autistic children look just like any other children, they can have mega problems dealing with things that we take for granted, crowds, noise, smells, weather, music, so many things.
Hopefully people will be more patient, take more time and deal with them better when they know that there is a problem.