Brian Kelmar:Breaking Down Barriers: One Father's Fight to Reform Legal Treatment of Autism

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Brian Kelmar shares his inspiring journey of creating Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (D3), an organization helping families whose autistic loved ones become entangled in the criminal justice system.

His personal experience with his teenage son's case revealed a shocking truth: many states fail to recognize developmental disabilities in criminal proceedings, despite acknowledging conditions like mental illness or addiction.

• Working to change laws, perceptions, and education around autism in the justice system

• Fighting against "counterfeit deviance" - when autistic behavior is misinterpreted as criminal intent

• Successfully passing multiple Virginia laws including mandatory autism training for law enforcement

• Creating diversion programs allowing judges to consider developmental disabilities during sentencing

• Helping families navigate the overwhelming complexities of the criminal legal process

• Addressing how autistic individuals can be easily manipulated into criminal situations without understanding

• Providing resources and research documentation to level the playing field against prosecutors

• Hosting monthly support meetings where families share experiences and learn from each other

• Working to expand successful Virginia legislative models to other states

Reach out to us at DecriminalizedDevelopmentalDisabilities.org or D3org.org if your family is facing these challenges. Remember: never let your child speak to law enforcement without a lawyer, educate them about vulnerable situations, and know that one person can create meaningful change - and that person can be you.

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