Our Mission

Advocate for ADA accommodations, effective education and treatment, and to provide comprehensive support to defendants with an I/DD who are involved within the criminal justice system. We are dedicated to promoting equity, ensuring fair treatment, and safeguarding the rights of autistic individuals. Through our advocacy and education efforts, we aim to address the need for Federal Legislation to end mandatory minimums and an Expansion of Diversion programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Implementing this goal will require educating legislators, prosecutors, and judges about this population and their need to be understood.

Statement: Our vision at the Autism Innocence Project is a criminal justice system that upholds the principles of equity and fairness for autistic individuals. We envision a world where the rights of autistic defendants are protected, where they are understood, and where their unique needs and perspectives are recognized and accommodated throughout the legal process. A world where proper supports are put in place with the goal of keeping intellectually & developmentally disabled persons out of prisons.