mmcilwain@sungazette.com
In the fourth virtual meeting to address criminal justice reform for Pennsylvanians with Autism, a Lycoming County woman and parent of a person with autism, spoke candidly about her experiences and provided suggestions for change in protocols in the courtroom and with law enforcement.
Shelly Mattie, of Montoursville, said that her son, Connor, who was
diagnosed with autism when he was three, has had two negative incidents with police officers while experiencing a “meltdown.”
“An individual with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is seven times more likely to have police interaction than their peers,” said Mattie.
“Autism is not a disability, it is a different ability,” said Justice Kevin Dougherty of the state Supreme Court. “Services and support are the answer, incarceration is not. We need to make change throughout Pennsylvania. If we change the way we look at things, the things we look at will change.”