Autism affects more than 1 in 100 people. 

We are a support and campaign group of autistic people and their families who have unfortunately suffered negative experiences of the criminal justice system. 

Read our stories – www.autisminjustice.org

Research shows that autistic people are more likely to come into contact in the criminal justice system.

Why does this happen?

Because autistic behaviours, which are not a choice, are often misunderstood or misrepresented.

Autistic people may present with the following:

• Social naivety and mental vulnerability
• Difficulty understanding the motives and social cues of others
• Difficulty maintaining eye contact
• Limited understanding of the implications of behaviours
• A rigid adherence to rules
• Easily coerced due to a wish to please others or to get out of uncomfortable situations
• Stimming (e.g. repetitive movements or repeating sounds to help control sensory overload)
• Poor 'proprioception' (awareness of own body relative to others)

 National Autistic Society Statement

“Autistic people are subject to the law, just like anyone else. But we're worried that autistic people could be at greater risk of being unfairly criminalised due to a lack of understanding of autism - among the police, courts and the wider public.

For example, autistic people find social communication difficult and can become extremely anxious in situations they don't understand - particularly if they're surrounded by noise and confusion. In some cases, this may lead to people losing control of their behaviour. This can be misinterpreted by emergency services and escalate quickly.

Some autistic people may also struggle to interpret other people’s motives, recognise social cues and understand possible consequences. This can leave autistic people susceptible to exploitation from so-called friends and they may unwittingly break the law.

It’s vital that everyone involved in the criminal justice system, from police officers and prison staff to High Court judges, get the training they need to be able to recognise when someone may be autistic, what it means to be autistic and how to respond appropriately. It's also important that specialist support is available for autistic people, from an early age and throughout their lives, to help them navigate what can be a chaotic and overwhelming world."

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society

What are we trying to achieve?

 Short Term Aims

• To meet the Prime Minister to discuss our stories
• To request an independent review of those cases where systemic failures and breaches of legislation have caused autistic people to become criminalised

Long Term Aims

• To increase the understanding of the general public and professionals to ensure the behaviours of autistic people are not misunderstood or misrepresented as a crime
• To ensure all professionals are aware of and follow relevant guidance to enable people with Autism to be safeguarded

How can I help?

We hope to one day live in a world where people who are autistic are not unnecessarily criminalised.

Please join us in our fight for justice for autistic people.

Website:  www.autisminjustice.org
Twitter: @autisminjustice
Contact: info@autismjustice.org