Autistic

Family of Autistic Teen Victor Perez Sues Idaho Police, Alleges Violations of Disability Rights After Deadly Shooting

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Pocatello, Idaho — The family of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with autism who was fatally shot by police earlier this year, has filed a lawsuit against the Pocatello Police Department. Their claims center on allegations that officers failed to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during the interaction that led to Perez’s death. On April 5, 2023, officers responded to a call from a neighbor who reported a violent situation involving Perez, who was holding a knife. Despite previous encounters with law enforcement regarding Perez’s behavioral challenges and documented disabilities, officers arrived with … Read more

Building Bridges: Phoenix Workshop Helps Autistic Individuals Navigate Police Interactions

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Phoenix, Arizona – Law enforcement encounters can be daunting for anyone, but for those with autism, the challenges are often significantly magnified. Recognizing this, local police officers and the Greater Phoenix Autism Society came together on Saturday to foster a better understanding between officers and the autism community. In these workshops, participants are given opportunities to interact with police officers in a controlled, understanding environment. The initiative is spearheaded by Emily Iland, an autism advocate known nationally for her educational efforts and for producing the “Be Safe” movie. The film is instrumental in showcasing various … Read more

Guam Caregiver Convicted in High-Profile Abuse Case Involving Autistic Woman

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Hagåtña, Guam – After just 15 minutes of deliberation, a jury convicted Peter Vonschimpf on charges of attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and abuse of an incompetent person, both misdemeanors, according to the Attorney General of Guam’s office. Vonschimpf was acquitted of the more severe charges of attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct as a second-degree felony, along with a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The trial revolved around Vonschimpf’s actions concerning a non-verbal 25-year-old woman with autism who was under his care. Prosecutors presented a disturbing scene described by the victim’s mother, who … Read more

Autistic Man’s Decade-Long Battle in Joint Enterprise Case Seeks Intervention from UN Rights Committee

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London, UK – Over a decade ago, Alex Henry’s life took an unexpected turn following a shopping trip with friends in West London that ended in a fatal confrontation. A largely forgotten phone hurled in haste and a single punch thrown in the heat of a scuffle were the sum total of his actions. Yet, these actions, unbeknownst to him during the brief 45-second brawl, would link him to a far graver crime committed by a friend—a crime that cost a man his life and put Henry behind bars under the UK’s controversial joint enterprise … Read more