- Electronic Press Release: Google Doc
About the Report
Focused on reducing trauma and supporting children and families in the court system with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty, on behalf of the Court, is promoting autism acceptance throughout the court system and encouraging judges and staff to join them in the effort.
Yet, the Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws [PARSOL] continues to learn of case after case where a person with autism or another intellectual or developmental disability such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability (ID) who commits a sexual offense receives no such support. Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the county jails where the accused are frequently housed, pending court or placement at a State Correctional Institution, are ill-equipped to provide a safe environment for individuals with IDD.
There is a pressing need for increased awareness and sensitivity in the justice system and within communities regarding the complexities surrounding individuals with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities who may become involved in sexual offense cases. In this report, PARSOL stresses the importance of recognizing and accommodating these individuals’ specific needs and vulnerabilities.