Jan 8, 2024
This week Elizabeth Kelley talks
with her guest, Nick Dubin. The two discuss the
intersection of autism spectrum disorders and the criminal justice
system.
In this episode, we discuss:
-
What common threads Nick has found in the intersection of autism spectrum disorders and the criminal justice system
-
Why jail is an inhumane punishment for individuals on the spectrum
-
What parents can do to guard their autistic children from entering the system due to accidental internet crimes
-
Why it’s so important that conversations about sexuality are being had between parents and their autistic adult children
-
What D3 is doing to bring support and change to families with a loved one on the spectrum wrapped up in the criminal justice system
Nick Dubin was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (now ASD level 1) in 2004. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Oakland University, a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Specialist Degree in Psychology and Psy.D. from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology.
Nick had a profound speech delay where he was nonverbal until age 4, had poor fine motor skills, jumped up and down and flapped his arms, was in special education from K-12, and had significant developmental delays that affected him all through his childhood and teenage years.
He has authored many books on autism spectrum disorders, including his most current one entitled Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities and the Criminal Justice System. He co-wrote a peer-reviewed article in 2009 with Professor Janet Graetz on how Spirituality can manifest itself in autistic people published in the Journal of Religion, Disability & Health. He has co-authored two academic book chapters with defense attorney Elizabeth Kelley, published in Carolina Academic Press and the Springer Publishing Company. Nick has personally been involved in the criminal justice system and knows how the process works.
Nick’s Medium Page: https://medium.com/blue-notes-to-myself
Articles:
Click here to
download the chapter in Judge Donald's and Professor Sarah
Redfield's book, Extending Justice, that was
written by Elizabeth and Nick Dubin, entitled "Implicit Bias and People with
Mental Disabilities." (July 2022).