Autism, Online Offending, and Victimization

• By: Mary R. Cohen, PhD Reginald Candio, PsyD Autism Specialist/Forensic Evaluation
• July 5th, 2023
• bullying, criminal justice system, cybercrime, online disinhibition, online radicalization, online safety, sexual victimization, social isolation, Summer 2023 Issue, victimization
• 1840    0

Individuals on the autism spectrum are particularly vulnerable to committing online offenses, in many instances unwittingly. They are also victimized by online predators, financial scams, and extremist groups. Consequently, they are increasingly interacting with the criminal justice system as...

Autism and the Law: When Trouble Comes Our Way

• By: Annie Kent, MA Mental Health Systemic Advocate, Educator and Freelance Writer
• July 5th, 2023
• aggression, cognitive behavioral, criminal justice system, crisis situations, de-escalation, first responder training, law enforcement, mental health, misinterpretation, Summer 2023 Issue, the law
• 1671    1

“I may have the advantage of race and gender. I may be able to stave off a meltdown for a short period. I may try my hardest to comply and be non-threatening, but I’m only ever one misunderstanding or nervous officer away from death. And it may be, in any given encounter, that there’s nothing...

Advocating for the Overlooked Needs of Autistic Individuals in the US Criminal Justice System

• By: Tyler T. Whitney, PsyD Emory University School of Medicine - Psychiatry & Law Service
• July 5th, 2023
• civil rights, court, criminal justice system, Global Autism and Criminal Justice Consortium, law enforcement interactions, law enforcement training, masking, policy, social communication, Summer 2023 Issue
• 1387    0

Over the past 7-15 years, many forensic/clinical professionals working in the US criminal justice system recognize the need for significant change within the US criminal justice system for autistic individuals to be treated humanely and with dignity. “Recently, a diverse team of autistics, family...