Autism and the Courts
The Autism and the Courts initiative is a statewide movement focused on reducing trauma and supporting individuals in the court system with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the latest numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, now one in 36 Pennsylvania children and more than five million adults nationwide are diagnosed with autism.
In Pa. alone the number of autistic individuals receiving services from the state has more than doubled in recent years, and research shows that individuals on the spectrum are almost seven times more likely to come into contact with the justice system, often with adverse consequences.
Pennsylvania’s Courts are committed to ensuring that judicial professionals are prepared to recognize, accept and meet the needs of all court users and their families.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex neurological condition that individuals are born with – it is not acquired, and individuals do not outgrow autism. People with autism can experience challenges in social, communication and behavioral development.
It’s important to note that it is not a mental illness and not an intellectual disability -- however those diagnoses can co‐exist.
Resources for Justice Professionals
Events by date and location
VIDEO: Regional Autism Roundtable - Western PA - June 17, 2021
VIDEO: Regional Autism Roundtable - Northeast PA - April 27, 2021
VIDEO: Regional Autism Roundtable - Susquehanna Valley and Central PA - March 23, 2021
VIDEO: Regional Autism Roundtable - Lehigh Valley, Feb. 23, 2021
VIDEO: Regional Autism Roundtable - Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 2021
VIDEO: Statewide Autism Roundtable - Nov. 17, 2020
PDF: Bios of panelists who participated in the roundtables