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

Send us a text 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. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.