Law Enforcement, Autism and Understanding

The International Society for Autism Research has awarded a competitive grant to the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and other local organizations working to improve interactions between autistic individuals and the justice system.

The award is earmarked to fund a conference of international experts and the development of a policy brief to share findings and promote change within Pennsylvania and nationally.

Research has shown that autistic individuals are at an increased likelihood of coming into contact with law enforcement or other justice professionals, compared with neurotypical peers. Understanding these interactions is important to developing resources, services and programs to improve outcomes.

Autistic individuals may also encounter similar challenges in the court system, where a lack of understanding of their diagnosis, needs and strengths can lead to misinterpretation by judges and legal professionals and can put them at risk of biased or uninformed sentencing.

Lindsay Shea, director of the Policy and Analytics Center at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and an assistant clinical professor, will co-lead the project with Cpl. John Burke, an instructor at the Philadelphia Police Department Training and Education Services Bureau.

“Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have been leaders in collecting data about autism and criminal justice system interactions and generating community-based responses through training, resources and convening community partners,” says Shea.

Involvement in the criminal justice system among youth on the autism spectrum, ages 15-19. Percentages of young adults with autism. Individuals may appear more than once. Source: National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, Wave 2, 2003

1%

Youth has ever been on probation or parole

1%

Youth has ever stayed overnight in jail

4%

Youth has ever been arrested

13%

Youth has ever been stopped and questioned by police