In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation to ensure that our legal system is open and fair to people with additional and special needs. 

 

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are overrepresented in the criminal legal system. While the CDC estimates that just 2.3% of children have autism, nearly 20% of all youth with autism have been stopped and questioned by police, and nearly 5% of youth questioned have been arrested. People with I/DD and/or ASD interacting with the justice system face an institution that is ill-equipped to accommodate their needs. Instead, the rigidity of the procedures and practices they encounter serves to obstruct their access to true due process. Common characteristics of people with autism are often misinterpreted by legal staff because of how they differ from social norms. For example, a lack of eye contact may be misinterpreted as a lack of empathy, and physical manifestations of anxiety symptoms like rocking or flapping can be triggered by environment and are not indicative of remorse, innocence, or guilt.  

 

To improve understanding about common characteristics of differing abilities in the context of the legal system, we will be introducing legislation to permit I/DD and ASD diagnoses to be admissible as evidence for courts and/or juries to consider. The legislation also includes a second provision to provide juries with information about how a person may process or display emotions based on their diagnosis. Together, these provisions are aimed at improving the delivery of justice. 

 

People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable in our society, and our legal system must be equipped to provide them with same due process rights that all Pennsylvania residents deserve. Please join us in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation.