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With deinstitutionalization and a shift to community-based services, the quality of life for children and adults with autism has risen substantially over the last two decades, however, entrance into communities,
increased independence, and the principles of self-determination (and the “dignity of risk”) have resulted in both children and adults with autism being increasingly vulnerable to crime at the community
level. There is a great deal of research indicating that individuals with developmental disabilities experience crime (and particularly violent crimes) at rates higher than the non-disabled population, however
to date there has been virtually no data collected on the victimization of individuals with autism. Efforts in this area have focused primarily on individuals with cognitive disabilities, and while the
approaches used can also assist individuals with autism, inherent to autism individuals present with significant communication deficits, sensory processing difficulties, and challenging behaviors. If
individuals with autism are to meaningfully access and benefit from victim assistance services, personnel will require specialized education and training.
The Howard County Autism Society of America, together with its partners, the national office of the Autism Society of America (ASA), and Law Enforcement Awareness Network (L.E.A.N. on Us), with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime is working to develop and pilot a model, replicable
Victims with Autism Assistance, Education, and Training Program. The project will:
- Create, pilot, and evaluate a model curriculum for victim assistance agencies.
- Create a guide for ASA Chapters on working with their local victim assistance agencies and enhancing community-based victim assistance services.
- Develop fact sheets and brochures for the autism community and victim assistance agencies.
- Disseminate the curriculum, materials, and resources throughout the country through the ASA’s network of over 200 chapters, its website and database, and through other partnerships.
- Provide training on the curriculum and related resources through national conferences, thereby reaching a broad group of national, state, and community leaders in the autism, disability, and victim assistance
fields.
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