Specialized Court in Las Vegas Helps Autistic Youth

After noticing a growing number of young people with symptoms of autism in the criminal justice system, Clark County Juvenile Court Hearing Master Soonhee “Sunny” Bailey and Family Court Judge William Voy launched a new court. The Detention Alternatives for Autistic Youth Court, or DAAY Court, was launched a few years ago. DAAY Court is a specialized court geared toward helping troubled young people on the autism spectrum. Bailey recognized the symptoms of autism in some of the youth she encountered and knew that many of them were not receiving the treatment they required.

Most of the kids who come before the DAAY Court have had no therapy at all for their condition. The arrests that bring them to court are frequently a side effect of being on the autism spectrum. The goal of the DAAY Court is to get these kids and teenagers the help they need now before they become adults. When a juvenile defendant is identified as possibly autistic, the family is connected with community service workers in court. Defendants check in with the court on a regular basis.

Autism and the Criminal Justice System

Courts like the DAAY Court are important because too often young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) become involved with the criminal justice system. Much of this involvement stems from a lack of treatment for ASD and a misunderstanding by law enforcement and the court system about the symptoms of ASD and what it means for an individual’s behavior. Perceived antisocial behavior, an inability to pick up on social cues and issues with verbal and nonverbal communication can all lead someone with ASD into the criminal justice system. A court with a judge that understands the unique challenges faced by someone with ASD is important to ensure that justice is truly achieved. Punishing someone for demonstrating the symptoms of ASD will not help the matter. Assisting someone with ASD in getting treatment can go a long way toward preventing this person from appearing in court again.

If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental illnesses. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.