Helping Autistic Teens in Trouble

Current Situation

Young people with autism who get into trouble with the law often end up in juvenile correctional facilities. These places aim to help teens rejoin society through:

• Education
• Counseling
• Skill-building programs

However, they often struggle to meet the unique needs of autistic teens.

Consequences

This leads to poor outcomes for these youth, making it harder for them to successfully return to their communities.

The Review

The review looks at:

• How common it is for autistic teens to be in these settings
• The care they usually receive

Suggested Improvements

The review suggests ways to improve support for these teens. These methods should be:

• Practical for correctional settings
• Follow evidence-based practices that understand autism

By making these changes, facilities can better help autistic teens.

Importance

It's important to think critically about how we support autistic youth in trouble. We need to make sure they get the right help. This can make a big difference in their lives and help them rejoin society successfully.