Many neurodivergent youth get caught up in the juvenile justice system as a response to their moments of crisis, or simply because of differences in their behavior. This episode considers the experiences of neurodivergent youth and their families in the juvenile justice system, and how crisis intervention on their behalf should focus on preventing harm, not punishing difference.

Show Notes & Related Resources:

“The Prevalence and Correlates of Involvement in the Criminal Justice System Among Youth on the Autism Spectrum” by Julianna Rava, Paul Shattuck, Jessica Rast, and Anne Roux (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)

“The Cumulative Probability of Arrest by Age 28 Years in the United States by Disability Status, Race/Ethnicity, and Gender” by Erin J. McCauley (American Journal of Public Health)

Law and Neurodiversity: Youth with Autism and the Juvenile Justice Systems in Canada and the United States by Dana Lee Baker, Laurie A. Drapela, and Whitney Littlefield

S&S Spotlight: 2022 Study Reviews Effectiveness of PTSD Treatment in the Juvenile Justice System (CTRJJ)

S&S Spotlight: 2021 Study Confirms High Levels of Mental Disorders in Detained Adolescents (CTRJJ)

Contact CTRJJ for more information and resources

Thank you to our guests on this episode:

Zachary, Kathleen, Dr. Monique Khumalo, Professor Kristin Henning, Dr. Dana Lee Baker, Al Killen-Harvey, and Judge Michael Key.

Identifying details of youth and their family members are changed to protect privacy. All interviewees provided explicit consent to be recorded and have their voices and stories shared on this podcast and in accompanying resources and marketing materials. A parent or guardian provided additional consent for interviewees under 18 years old.

Additional research and production support for this episode provided by Julia Clausen.