Policing Autistic People of Color: The Importance of Intersectionality

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

1 in every 5 youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability involving challenges with social interactions and communication, will be stopped and questioned by the police by age 21. Given the 241% increase since 2000, the rising number of ASD diagnoses are parallel with concerns over police credibility sparked by the Black Lives Matter Movement. Despite this, research focusing on these interactions remains highly underdeveloped—especially with an intersectional lens that considers both race and autism. The present study uses a survey of parents and caregivers of ASD individuals to understand the role race plays in experiences with and perceptions of police interactions with their ASD loved ones. I hypothesize the multiplicative identity of being both a racial/ethnic minority—Black and Hispanic—and on the autism spectrum increases the likelihood of having adverse police encounters and caregivers expressing concern of future police contact. Linear probability models and a Poisson model will be used to measure these objectives. Overall, the study aims to expand future criminal justice research on ASD individuals’ interactions with the police by integrating a special focus on the experiences of ASD people of color into policing conversations.

Author

• Isabella Castillo, University of Maryland