Serving Victims of Crime

The Autism Society Addresses Needs of Crime Victims who are on the Autism Spectrum

As part of its Crime Victims with Autism Assistance, Education, and Training Program, a project funded by the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, the Autism Society has created a series of fact sheets and brochures to assist crime victim assistance professionals, families, and individuals with autism. A 2007 Autism Society survey of individuals with autism and their families revealed that 35% of individuals with autism have been the victim of a crime and the Autism Society is taking steps to help communities and professionals provide crime victim assistance.

Six fact sheets on autism - for police, paramedics, child abuse counselors, domestic violence and sexual assault counselors, attorneys, and social workers -are now available to to download. Along with fact sheets are two brochures designed for individuals with autism who have been the victim of a crime and family members of crime victims with autism. These much-needed materials are the first of a series of publications designed to improve services to crime victims with autism. Watch for the project’s training curriculum which will be available in the coming months!