Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Courtroom: How Courts Handle Testimony Today and What We Can Do in the Future
Book Chapter
Goldfarb, D, Gonzalez, A. (2018). Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Courtroom: How Courts Handle Testimony Today and What We Can Do in the Future
. 340-357. 10.1002/9781119158431.ch17
Goldfarb, D, Gonzalez, A. (2018). Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Courtroom: How Courts Handle Testimony Today and What We Can Do in the Future
. 340-357. 10.1002/9781119158431.ch17
Children with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), disproportionately experience childhood victimization. This chapter concentrates on children with ASD as witnesses in the courtroom to either their own victimization or having witnessed the alleged victimization of others. It primarily focuses on children, however, given that research thus far has primarily focused on adults or children, and not the potential overlap between these two populations. Specifically, the chapter describes how courts have responded to children with ASD testifying in the courtroom as eyewitnesses. Next, it considers the effects of such testimony and how the courtroom can be accommodated to better meet the needs of these children. Finally, the chapter looks at research on how legal actors perceive child eyewitnesses with ASD and considers how legal actors could help diminish pre-existing biases.
