The facts on Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental paneled disorder that affects how people learn, think and communicate. It encompasses a range of conditions in the diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM-5) that include what was previously considered as Aspergers syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). ASD has many different degrees of symptoms and severity that affect individuals differently and in varying levels and so much so that it is referred to as a spectrum. We now know from the research that autism is caused by problems in the brain and a series of genetic mutations and network disruptions which scientists have been working hard to understand. These differences affect brain development, nervous system functions and impacts sensory inputs, which is believed to make it more difficult for those individuals affected to process language, speech, sounds and the ability to plan and organize. These neural connections within the brain are crucial for a person to learn and move information from short-term to long-term memory and this can be impacted for someone who is affected by autism.
Understanding Casey’s Law
Because we understand so much more about autism now and its causes, we also understand that there are co-occurring mental health issues that can overlap and sometimes present themselves as developmental disorders. These may include depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder and lead to other maladaptive behaviours, including substance misuse. Substance misuse amongst other things provides a short-term coping mechanism and thus creates a cycle of dependency to drugs or alcohol. However, misusing alcohol or drugs only heightens the mental state and creates a need to escape the negative feelings. This is where Casey’s Law may come in. Moreover, as noted below, Casey’s Law may be used to help individuals with autism too. Kentucky’s “Casey’s Law” is a fairly new process aimed at helping treat addicted individuals through court ordered intervention for substance abuse treatment. Casey’s Law is available in 35 states but not all of them call it Casey’s Law. The law was named after the death of a young woman named Casey who struggled with addiction. In an effort to help those with mental health and drug abuse issues, Casey’s Law provides the ability for family members, friends or loved ones to petition that the individual receives involuntary drug and/or alcohol treatment. Involuntary drug and alcohol treatment is used when the addicted individual refuses to get help willingly and it forces an individual into treatment for a period of time regardless of the reason. Kentucky’s Casey’s Law even allows parents to request a “judicial-ordered” series of inpatient treatment sessions for their child as well as mental health treatment if necessary. What does Casey’s Law mean for autistic individuals and their family members? If you have a loved one with autism and you are noticing that your loved one is struggling with the signs of addiction, a family member can petition the court for involuntary substance abuse treatment. The decision to go to treatment in this situation ultimately comes from the courts who will evaluate if the individual has a drug problem and the severity of that abuse. For any autistic individual with a substance use disorder, a court will see that they are demonstrating impulsive behaviour that we know are characteristic of autism and make worse the consequences of addiction. As such, if this is the case, the court may order an involuntary treatment for individuals who demonstrate a repeated pattern of risk-taking, destruction of property, assault and theft. However, a court will need to evaluate the information submitted in the filed petition that includes: an affidavit assessment, alcohol testing, mental health evaluation, presentation by the observer and family member. Next, the court will determine the severity of the addiction and decide on the need for a 60-day involuntary treatment and evaluate the need for further treatment. Otherwise, if the court orders the addiction treatment, the individual will be required to stay in involuntary treatment until they complete that treatment. If an individual is ordered to an involuntary treatment program, it does not guarantee a positive outcome. However, when coupling autism with a drug addiction, it will likely only worsen the impact on the individual.
What are the benefits and challenges to Autism? As soon as a family member sees a loved one struggling with the signs of addiction, they may feel that the best option is to seek involuntary treatment and save them from harm. However, a few problems and possible consequences should be considered. Some of the potential benefits could include: In the end, only you can decide if Casey’s Law is an option that may benefit your autistic loved one and providing them the help they need. Anyone struggling with drug or alcohol abuse may not be easily persuaded to enter treatment and the consequences of not receiving treatment could quickly become fatal.
How can autism advocacy be used with Casey’s Law? Involuntary treatment can lead to a multitude of outcomes for an autistic individual, as everyone responds to the treatment plan differently. Involuntary treatment is typically only used as a last resort and positive benefits are not guaranteed. Individuals who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction originally turn to substance abuse in an effort to cope with their co-occurring mental health issues and trauma. However, treatment works best when the individual seeks it out. It may be possible that there will be a push to change or amend the law and add autism to this list of courts to consider in deciding who is eligible for court-ordered treatment in Kentucky. Just as having autism spectrum disorder brings unique difficulties in daily functioning and support, so too does it leave many asking questions and seeking information about not only autism but ways to support loved ones with autism. Autism network Singapore provides a variety of informational resources and services to help individuals with autism in Singapore and beyond. Understanding how Casey’s Law works, advocacy can be adapted and added to current legislation and resource initiatives can continue.
How does Casey’s Law apply to the autism community? In recent years, legislators across the country have raced to enact similar “involuntary commitment” laws for addicts. Even advocates for patients and treatment providers who normally oppose coercive steps like these support Casey’s Law. As research makes clear that addiction is a brain disease, supporters of mandated treatment say the question should not be whether Kentucky’s Casey’s Law is appropriate for autism – but instead, how to improve and expand it. It is important to understand from both sides and that beyond the autism community, we understand addiction issues came into play. Furthermore, advancing our understanding of the brain can continue to help ensure that everyone with addiction and autism gets the treatment that they need. Moreover, it can help individuals and families struggling with the fall-out to understand and find acceptance for the changes that may need to follow.