Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and the Criminal Justice System: Breaking the Cycle

For autistic people who find themselves facing a criminal charge, understanding how the features of autism may have contributed to their behaviour can be vital context for their defence. In this insightful book, Nick Dubin explores how and why autistic people get caught up in the criminal justice system. He delves into what steps can be taken to prevent autistic people committing crimes and what should be done to ensure their fair and appropriate treatment if they are charged with a crime. It covers everything from prevention to the aftermath of sentencing, including available counselling and therapy. Nick's personal experience and meticulous research shows that criminal justice can be an oppressive system that misunderstands and stigmatizes autistic people, especially low-risk individuals and those with less criminal responsibility.

About the Author :
Nick Dubin was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2004. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Oakland University, a Master's Degree in Learning Disabilities from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Specialist Degree in Psychology and Psy.D. from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. He has authored many books on autism spectrum disorders including 'Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety', also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Nick lives in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan.

Review :
Thoroughly researched and clearly written, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities and the Criminal Justice System explores in depth all aspects of the interface of the autism spectrum and the criminal justice system. Based upon both personal experiences and scholarly inquiries, this encyclopaedic book will be extremely helpful in selecting an attorney to defend a person on the spectrum facing criminal charges, finding the right experts to bolster the defense, and confronting the draconian sex offender registries. This book should be required reading for those grappling with and seeking to understand these extremely difficult and complicated issues. A monumental achievement. All levels of the criminal justice system need to accommodate the characteristics of autism to ensure justice and the prevention of future crimes. With Nick's book, we now have a primary source of information on autism for those in the legal profession and law enforcement agencies, as well as for families and autistic adults. The explanations and recommendations are based on an extensive review of the research literature, and well-illustrated by case studies and conversations with those who have direct experience of the criminal justice system. This book will contribute to the ending of injustice and inappropriate incarceration. In Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities and the Criminal Justice System, Nick Dubin turns the nightmare of his criminal conviction into an opportunity to educate the public about the nexus between the unique qualities of ASD and criminal conduct. But more importantly, Nick offers tangible strategies to prevent people with ASD and developmental disabilities from becoming ensnared in the criminal justice system in the first place. This book is scholarly yet readable, brutally honest but rational and realistic. Nick Dubin's book is one of a kind. Through his personal experience, he provides practical strategies and guidance to families and adults. Sexuality, the internet and social media need to be addressed and recognized as an essential topic when it comes to teaching autistic adolescents and adults. This also acts as powerful prevention. I definitely support his recommendations and I encourage every professional in the field to read this unique book. Nick Dubin's is the book no one wants to write. Dubin, a fellow autistic, and a PhD, who before his arrest had written books and articles galore, writes THE cautionary tale of his experiences about going through a deeply inhumane criminal justice system. Branded and limited for life, he is like the vast majority of 'registrants'...non-violent, incredibly sorry for what he did, and easily corrected. He is the victim of draconian prosecutors who seek conviction numbers, and who see developmentally delayed and sexually ignored individuals as easy convictions. But Dubin is also the hero who, despite the unmerciful traumas he's experienced, speaks out. His book is an indisputable roadmap for how to best navigate a culture that despite its prosperity, is inherently terrified of healthy sexuality; and it is beyond an eye-opener for the rest of us. Dubin journeys through all corners of this painful world in his writing-and that writing breaks your heart. It's not up for debate: No braver autism book exists.