Autism in the Justice System
We consistently support young families through older adults - all who have autism concerns . Our foundational work - answering your texts , emails , or phone calls - runs in the background while we break new ground in areas where significant issues exist in places like jails , prisons , homeless encampments , and the homes of people who have unsafe behaviors . We engage in that work with the hopes to help in specific situations while we learn everything we can to help others avoid that kind of suffering in the future .
President Judge Kimberley Berkeley Clark initiated an Autism in the Courts work group in Allegheny County , in which we are a very active participant organization . The work , supported by more than 50 professionals heading up various justice related offices and organizations , has been uplifting and energizing .
This being only month 10 of this group ' s existence , now under the leadership of Judge Hugh F . McGough , progress has been pretty remarkable .
Many disability advocates are accustomed to tapping , knocking , and eventually pounding on doors at places we need to gain equity and full access . It is hard to see progress in places where we are misunderstood and excluded . But Judge Clark decided to organize folks in a very productive " Autism in the Courts " work group full of passionate and effective people getting things done . These are not your usual " group-project-where-one-person-does-all-thework " groups , these are very active , impactful , powerful teams who report regular goal attainment .
A courthouse HIPAA release , alerting the courts to a person ( with their permission ) being registered with the county Office of Developmental Supports as having a disability
Training across courts and re-entry ( probation ) programs
Photographic social stories for those visiting the courthouse
Ongoing work to screen and identify people in the Allegheny County Jail