NAPD - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Miranda Rights Comprehension Deficits, and False Confessions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders in the world, with approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States meeting the diagnostic criteria (CDC, 2024). This multi-faceted, lifelong condition is a broad spectrum of symptoms that can range widely in presence and severity. Although most individuals on the autism spectrum are law abiding citizens, a small subset of individuals diagnosed with this disorder do come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects or perpetrators of crime. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle to navigate different stages and processes of the criminal justice and legal systems. This includes police interviews, interrogations, standing trial, testifying, and complying with the conditions of sentences in custodial (e.g., jail and prison) and community (e.g., probation and parole) settings. The communication, interpersonal, and behavioral symptoms of ASD, along with its comorbid conditions, directly undermines a person’s capacity to successfully function and make legal decisions (e.g., Miranda waivers and confessions). Designed for professionals working in psycholegal settings, this training will examine the contributing factors associated with poor Miranda rights comprehension and false confession risk among this population group. Best practices in criminal justice and legal interviewing through an autism-informed lens will also be discussed. Attendance will be particularly beneficial for professionals who want to improve the accuracy of information garnered during their interviews of persons with autism and learns ways to reduce miscarriages of justice among this vulnerable population group. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training.

Additional information and online registration.