Tampa Autism Spectrum Disorder Lawyer

Tampa Autism Spectrum Disorder Attorney

Navigating life with autism presents unique challenges, and when an autistic individual becomes involved in a crime, these challenges can significantly complicate the situation. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and are facing criminal charges, you need a compassionate skilled Tampa autism spectrum disorder lawyer who has experience working with individuals with autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Lawyer in Tampa, FL

Elizabeth Kelley, Attorney at Law, has centered her career on helping people with mental and intellectual disabilities in the criminal justice system. A substantial number of her clients have autism, and her depth of knowledge and experience in representing people with autism gives her and her clients with ASD an advantage in court. As an autism spectrum disorder lawyer, she is uniquely qualified to advocate for those with ASD, ensuring they receive the proper support and understanding in legal proceedings.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Explained

Autism Spectrum Disorder, sometimes called ASD or just “autism,” is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain that impact most aspects of a person’s life, including how they learn, communicate, behave, and interact with other people. Autistic people are born with the disorder, and most are diagnosed as children. However, some autistic individuals may learn to compensate to the point that they are not diagnosed until they are teenagers or even adults. If you or a loved one is dealing with autism, bipolar disorder, or related challenges, consulting a traumatic brain injury lawyer may be helpful, especially if there are concerns regarding brain injuries or other neurological conditions that impact development.

Most scientific and medical studies about autism have focused on white male children, but people of any race, gender, or ethnicity can have autism. While no one really knows the causes of ASD, studies suggest that there is a genetic component. Symptoms of autism can vary in degree and type, but there are some challenges that are more common among autistic people.

• Difficulty interacting and communicating with other people
• Learning or cognitive differences
• Unusual eating or sleeping habits
• Having a hard time regulating emotions and mood
• Being overstimulated or overwhelmed in social situations
• Unusual or repetitive body movements called “stims”

Various therapies can help with behavioral, physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges caused by autism, and medication might help an autistic person cope better with some symptoms. But because autism is a spectrum, with a wide range of concerns, there is no single medical treatment.

Autism and the Criminal Justice System

When someone with autism has to interact with the justice system, they may face obstacles that nonautistic people do not. Autistic individuals involved in the criminal justice system may experience a greater toll on their mental health compared with non-autistic individuals. However, they are often not recognized as vulnerable adults, and their communication difficulties may be misinterpreted by police, court officials, or even their legal team.

Law enforcement and court officials often fail to consider an individual’s ASD diagnosis during questioning, arrest, or court proceedings. This is typically due to a lack of awareness, as many individuals with autism face challenges in communicating, particularly under stress. Even when aware, officials may lack the necessary understanding of autism to adequately support and address the needs of the autistic individual. Autism spectrum disorder and the criminal justice system often intersect in ways that require specialized knowledge and approaches to ensure individuals with ASD are treated fairly and appropriately.

Unfortunately, those with autism continue to be overlooked by the professionals whom they encounter, leaving their needs neglected while the criminal justice system

The criminal justice system is still learning how to support defendants with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, while this process evolves, the needs of autistic individuals are often overlooked by many of the professionals they encounter, such as law enforcement officers, lawyers, and judges. This gap can lead to misunderstandings, unfair treatment, or a lack of necessary accommodations for their unique challenges, such as difficulties with communication or handling stressful situations.

You Need a Lawyer Who Understands Autism

An attorney who’s skilled in advocating for autistic clients can approach their legal defense in such a way that takes their ASD into account in creating their legal defense. They can review the details of the case, review legal options, and make sure that you are receiving fair treatment and accommodations for your needs as a person with autism. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone.

FAQ

What Autism Resources Are There in Florida?

Florida offers many resources for autistic children and adults. These include early intervention programs, behavioral therapy, treatment centers, and parent education and training. In addition, there are several organizations dedicated to helping autistic people build meaningful lives, such as The Autism Society of Florida, The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, The Dan Marino Foundation, and more in Tampa, Florida.

Is Florida an Autism-Friendly State?

Florida is an autism-friendly state because it offers many resources and support services. By law, services for autism spectrum disorder treatment, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, must be covered by insurance. Florida also has several state-funded autism outreach and support centers through Florida universities and state-funded paid parent caregiving services.

Is Autism Considered a Disability in Florida?

Yes, autism is considered a disability in Florida and is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means law enforcement, courts, and other criminal justice entities are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations for defendants with autism. This may include making adjustments during interrogations, ensuring an understanding of rights, and addressing challenges in communication or behavior that may be misunderstood.

What States Pay You to Stay Home with an Autistic Child?

Nearly every state pays parents to care for their children with developmental disabilities. However, the benefits, coverage, amounts, and exclusions vary from state to state and may depend on factors such as income and what qualifies a child as disabled. Florida is one of the states where autistic children can qualify for these benefits.

Contact Elizabeth Kelley to Get Help with Autism Spectrum Disorder Case

If you or your family member with ASD have been charged with a crime, it’s essential that you work with a lawyer who has experience in making sure their clients’ unique needs are met throughout the process.

Elizabeth Kelley, Attorney at Law, advocates for the rights and interests of people with autism spectrum disorder, both in and out of the criminal justice system. She has represented autistic clients all over the country to prepare legal defenses for each case and their individual needs and circumstances, and she wants to put her knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact our office today to set up a consultation and discuss your legal options.