Aspergers and the Criminal Justice System Michelle S

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Aspergers and the Criminal Justice System Michelle S. Alkon Coordinator of Adult Services, AANE

Aspergers and the Criminal Justice System Michelle S. Alkon Coordinator of Adult Services, AANE michelle. alkon@aane. org 617. 393. 3824 ext. 25 DDS Training January 28 2016

Agenda: Aspergers and the Criminal Justice System • Working with First Responders • Working

Agenda: Aspergers and the Criminal Justice System • Working with First Responders • Working with the Legal System • Sentencing and Incarceration ©Asperger/Autism Network 2

Sheldon and Officer Hernandez 3

Sheldon and Officer Hernandez 3

Working with First Responders Victim • Anxiety • Difficulty communicating their experiences • Recommendations:

Working with First Responders Victim • Anxiety • Difficulty communicating their experiences • Recommendations: – Work with parent or support – Deal with one issue at a time – Narrative interview rather than questioning – Breaks and non-verbal cues ©Asperger/Autism Network 4

Working with First Responders • • • Perpetrator May not realize they have committed

Working with First Responders • • • Perpetrator May not realize they have committed an offence Anxiety Talk too much/too little Behave unpredictably Look “shifty” Lack eye contact ©Asperger/Autism Network 5

Working with First Responders • AANE Wallet Card – Print, fill-in, laminate – Attach

Working with First Responders • AANE Wallet Card – Print, fill-in, laminate – Attach with ID/License – PRACTICE ©Asperger/Autism Network 6

Sheldon Goes to Jail 7

Sheldon Goes to Jail 7

Working with Judicial System Police Station • Sensory issues • Confusion about terms and

Working with Judicial System Police Station • Sensory issues • Confusion about terms and circumstances • Overconfidence in system ©Asperger/Autism Network 8

Working with Judicial System Courtroom Setting • Processing Speed • Listening Skills • Lack

Working with Judicial System Courtroom Setting • Processing Speed • Listening Skills • Lack of Tact • Slang and terminology • Non-verbal communication ©Asperger/Autism Network 9

Working with Judicial System Recommendations • Educate everyone about AS • Speak calmly, non

Working with Judicial System Recommendations • Educate everyone about AS • Speak calmly, non -threatening • Moderate environment ©Asperger/Autism Network 10

Sentencing Considerations • Probation – May require group therapy – Tether – Risk of

Sentencing Considerations • Probation – May require group therapy – Tether – Risk of breaking probation • Incarceration – Segregation, monitoring, medical/psychological assessment – Lowest intensity site – Training of jail personnel ©Asperger/Autism Network 11

Resources Articles • • Asperger Syndrome in the Criminal Justice System Written by lawyers,

Resources Articles • • Asperger Syndrome in the Criminal Justice System Written by lawyers, it offers several strategies for working with the autistic client. A large number of Autism and Asperger's research and support organizations have signed on to the position paper "Principles for Prosecutors Considering Child Pornography Charges against Persons with Asperger's Syndrome" Article written by attorney Mark Mahoney Asperger's Syndrome and Criminal law: The Special Case of Child Pornography A 2013 article from Psychology Today written by John Elder Robison Autism and Porn: A Problem No One Talks About. Books o Nick Dubin is an adult with Aspergers was arrested for child pornography after establishing a brilliant career as an expert in anxiety for the autistic population. The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality and the Law: What every parent and professional needs to know by Tony Attwood and Isabelle Henault and Nick Dubin o This book is by Isabelle Henault, an authority on sexuality and autism. Her insights on sexuality and autism can be very helpful in trying to understand how adults with AS get into trouble. Asperger's Syndrome And Sexuality: From Adolescence Through Adulthood by Isabelle Henault Webinar • You can view a webinar by Dr. Isabelle Henault recorded for AANE at https: //vimeo. com/ondemand/31531/119915502 ©Asperger/Autism Network 12

About AANE The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) works with individuals, families, and professionals to help

About AANE The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. We do this by providing information, education, community, support, and advocacy, all in an atmosphere of validation and respect. AANE provides support and community to: • Adults and their families • Families of children and teens • Educators and professionals • Diverse leadership includes adults, family members and professionals • Advocate for appropriate quality services for people with AS profiles. 13