Autism, Safety, and the Life Course: Perspectives from Parents and Caregivers

• In Event: Where Disability and Life Course Criminology Intersect

Abstract

Developmental and life course (DLC) theories within criminology are largely interested in understanding how significant life events shape an individual’s contact with the criminal justice system. Individuals’ potential involvement often begins with police contact, in which minoritized individuals are at a heightened risk of experiencing, along with related strain on their health, well-being, and overall sense of safety. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities and their families remain overlooked in these discussions. The current study draws on semi-structured interviews with parents and caregivers of autistic individuals to examine perceptions of and experiences with safety as related to the police. Given that safety concerns with police contact may be shaped by various factors such as the autistic individual’s age, participants with autistic children, teenagers, adults, and older adults will be interviewed to capture perspectives across the life course. Findings aim to not only center disability as an important component of DLC and policing studies, but to also inform safer, more effective practices for all autistic individuals and their families no matter their age.

Author

• Isabella Elena Castillo, Arizona State University