Understanding the Needs of the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled and Autistic Population in the Criminal Justice System

From the abstract:

“This paper explores the inequitable treatment of the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled and Autistic (IDD/A) population in the criminal justice system. Although progress has been made over the past century with understanding the unique needs of this population, they still face challenges at all stages of the criminal justice system. Behavioral, social skills, and sensory challenges make it difficult for the IDD/A population to avoid criminal justice contact and to understand the criminal justice process. Insufficient training for police and attorneys harms both persons with IDD/A and criminal justice professionals. This paper examines current practices in place that are barriers to equitable justice to individuals with IDD/A and discusses the lack of knowledge criminal professionals have regarding this population. Changes to be implemented to prevent persons with IDD/A from making contact with the criminal justice system and systemic changes to interactions with law enforcement and attorneys, court proceedings, and sentencing are reviewed. This paper discusses where multiple stakeholders can make improvements so all persons can receive equitable justice. “