Autism: A Criminal Justice System Crisis and Need for a Comprehensive Prevention Care Continuum and Training Framework

Abstract

Autistic individuals often face unique challenges in the criminal justice system. They may encounter the criminal justice system (CJS) as suspects, victims, or witnesses, often facing unique challenges due to their communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral traits. These interactions can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and adverse outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform and tailored interventions. By age 21, approximately 20% of youth with autism had been stopped and questioned by police, and nearly 5% had been arrested. Further, many individuals in the CJS may have undiagnosed autism. Co-occurring ADHD or psychotic disorder is a significant risk factor for contact with the CJS in individuals with autism. There is a global health need for a coordinated and integrated care continuum to minimize expenditures associated with temporary solutions. An evidence-based model has informed a proactive, community-engaged process to support the inner and outer contexts most sensitive and critical to building capacity and stabilization of patients within local communities and with potential for application with vulnerable populations across international settings. The HANDS Coordinated Care Continuum is structured across four progressive tiers (see Figure 3), each tailored to meet the diverse needs of stakeholders: Tier 1: Dissemination – Sharing foundational knowledge and resources. Tier 2: General Training & Consultation – Offering targeted instruction and support. Tier 3: Intensive Training & Consultation – Providing multi-day or multi-week immersive experiences, both virtually and onsite. Tier 4: Individualized Programming – Customizing training and services to meet the specific needs of individuals, teams, or systems. HANDS developed a short course for first responders which can be accessed here: Autism Short Course for Law Enforcement Personnel. Other individualized training can be accessed via our Training Catalog. Conclusion: Recognition of the challenges, awareness of needed services and training and sustained commitment to systems change are critical to change the narrative. The HANDS coordinated care continuum emphasizes hands-on practice, trainer modeling, feedback, and mentoring, all grounded in evidence-based strategies with a personalized learning approach to suit adult learning needs. Developed progressively since 2004, the HANDS Coordinated Care Continuum is an exemplar of the prevention approach necessary for systems change, as shared by Cohen and colleagues around, recognition of, and support for autistic individuals who will inevitably interface with the criminal justice system. Professionals in the criminal justice system both lack the specialized training needed and broader awareness and sensitivity to the needs of individuals with autism and related conditions to effectively navigate such encounters. This gap can lead to miscommunication and inequitable treatment. Evidence-based, tiered training is essential to build awareness, empathy, and practical skills such as de-escalation and coordinated care across law enforcement, legal, and correctional settings. For questions and inquiries, e-mail us at hands@iu.edu or call us at 812-856-1601.