This presentation provides an overview of the experiences of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in legal, judicial, and correctional settings. It seeks to increase identification, treatment, and protection of such patients when incarcerated, and discusses historical factors affecting mental health prior to these patients' incarcerations that affect them during incarceration. The presenter, both a researcher and the mother of two grown sons with autism spectrum disorder, will discuss diagnostic criteria, mental health treatment, behavior management, aggression, and physical plant accommodations.

Educational Objectives

• Identify behaviors that might indicate someone in a correctional facility has autism spectrum disorder
• Describe how attitudes toward individuals with ASD might affect their experiences in law enforcement, judicial, and correctional settings
• Discuss three accommodations that can be used when interacting with an individual with ASD

Level: Intermediate