Identifying Trends in Incarceration Pathways and Experiences of Autistic Adults

• In Event: Autism in the Criminal Justice System: Trends, Experiences, and Future Directions

Abstract

Objective: This study uncovers pre-incarceration characteristics and trends during incarceration for the population of autistic adults housed within Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) facilities. Prior research suggests that incarcerated autistic individuals have higher rates of self-harm and are frequently victimized. Research has also focused on smaller samples that limit generalizability, while this study is poised to be among the first to provide a population-level analysis.

Methods: Data were obtained from PADOC’s administrative records for all cases in which an incarcerated person had a formal autism diagnosis in their records (N=24). Descriptive analyses (including frequencies, means, standard deviations) highlight key sample demographic characteristics. A qualitative record review elucidates common themes that characterize pre-incarceration and during incarceration experiences.

Results: The descriptive and qualitative results support that there may be important differences between incarcerated adults with autism and the general incarcerated population that call for a more tailored policy and practice approach.

Conclusions: This study provides new and foundational information on incarcerated autistic individuals, including their pre-incarceration trajectories and experiences within incarceration settings. These findings address clear research gaps and can provide support for policy and interventions that target this vulnerable population by identifying incarceration risk factors and supporting rehabilitation efforts.

Authors

• Dylan Cooper, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

• Lindsay Shea, Drexel University

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University

• C. Clare Strange, Drexel University

• Sam Voltaire, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute