Understanding Autism and the Role of Legal Professionals

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing developmental disorder, impacting education, employment, socialization and day-to-day living. The need for increased awareness of and advocacy for individuals with autism is becoming apparent; as healthcare providers, educators, parents and individuals continue to identify new ways to support these communities. Members of the legal community play a pivotal role in the fight for inclusion and equality for individuals with autism. Lawyers and legal practitioners have the ability to impact the lives of those in the ASD community through their work, and through volunteer opportunities and community engagement. Understanding how skills in the legal profession can bridge the gap between those with autism and the development of a more inclusive society is critical.

Understanding Autism

Autism spectrum disorder describes a range of conditions affecting communication, intellect and behavior. Individuals diagnosed with the condition experience a wide range of symptoms and challenges, from mild to severe. Individuals with autism struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication, including reading body language, being mindful of personal space, making eye contact or taking turns when speaking. They also often have difficulty understanding social behavior, such as understanding the motivations or feelings of others. These roadblocks can often manifest in real-life situations, such as: The impact of autism on individuals is as unique as the individuals themselves and varies from person to person – some may be able to function at a relatively high level, while others may require substantial care and support throughout their lives. Overall, individuals with autism can face significant obstacles that can make it difficult to earn a living and navigate the workforce. There is an increased focus on the need for on-the-job support, training and accommodations that will allow individuals with autism to successfully enter the workforce and contribute to the economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for people with ASD was 85 percent in 2018, and the National Autism Indicators Report 2018 estimates 56 percent of 25-year-olds with autism had never held a paying job. Those with autism who are employed have a high probability of finding employment in low-skill jobs, such as food service and manual labor. Legal professionals can make a substantial impact on the inclusion of those with autism in the workforce. Lawyers can act as mentors for students with autism and people who are newly entering or transitioning within the workforce, providing guidance and exposure to potential employment options.

Legal Professionals and Autism

As professionals in the legal field seek to expand their knowledge and understanding of matters of disability rights, they are tasked with legal representation of individuals with autism. Legal professionals can play a critical role in advancing the interests of persons with disabilities through education, updates on current law, advice and counsel to individuals, drafting of relevant documents, etc. If you are an advocate for legal matters, you may want to consider focusing on disability rights, specifically autism law. Understanding the legal rights of people with autism, as well as advocacy efforts for the rights of people with autism, can help to establish you as an authority in the field. Further, there are many opportunities for lawyers and law school students to get involved in volunteer options that directly relate to legal matters surrounding autism and other developmental disabilities. For example, legal professionals can serve as pro-bono advocates at local autism centers, where community members can ask questions about their rights and services related to autism. Attorneys and law students can also help create legal resource handbooks and workshops to clarify the legal rights of people with autism. According to the in-depth guide on comprehensive Arkansas legal jobs, these opportunities can significantly enhance the support available to individuals with autism.

Integrating Skills from the Legal Profession to Address Autism

Although the legal and autism fields may seem distinct, there is substantial overlap between the two. Legal professionals have the opportunity to use their skills to provide educational resources to people with autism, and advocate for their rights. By bridging the gap between these communities, individuals with autism are afforded the opportunity to enter the workforce, enjoy an independent livelihood and contribute to the economy. Attorneys understand the arguments necessary for creating action plans that address autism and disability rights. They also understand the importance of accountability, and the necessity of obtaining the support of policymakers and stakeholders to create lasting change. The unique skills of attorneys can promote clients’ independence and autonomy, which leads to improved quality of life.

Bridging the Gap

While there is a clear overlap between the legal profession and autism, there may be issues that arise due to misconceptions of the needs of those with autism. Not all individuals with autism are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services and support, and the legal ramifications of autism can be difficult to understand. Further, many legal professionals may have little-to-no experience interacting with this community, and may be unsure how to advocate for clients with autism. It is important to address these areas of concern to ensure that those with autism are recognized for their strengths, and their professional skills are fostered. As advocacy groups evolve, they must look to communities of likeminded individuals to create change – bridging the gap between professionals with the authority to make change happen and those who need it.