Doug Passon: Breaking Down Barriers, How Understanding Autism Changes Legal Outcomes

Send us a text Doug Passon shares his journey as a criminal defense lawyer and filmmaker advocating for autistic individuals in the legal system, drawing from both his professional experience and personal connection as a parent of an autistic son. • Criminal defense lawyer who uses documentary filmmaking to humanize clients at sentencing • Pioneered the use of video in sentencing mitigation, recognized by Wall Street Journal • Self-described as both lawyer and filmmaker who shows humanity behind the case file • Explains how many autistic defendants lack proper diagnosis before entering legal system • Describes the "Three Pillars" leading to legal trouble: isolation, hyperfocus, and poor executive functioning • Challenges misconceptions about "high-functioning" autism masking genuine impairments • Emphasizes perspective-taking difficulties ("mind blindness") common in autism • Reports near-zero recidivism rate among autistic defendants who receive proper support • Advocates for better education among legal professionals about autism • Warns parents about online vulnerabilities that can lead autistic children into legal trouble If you know anyone that would like to tell us their story, send them to TonyMantor.com and they can give us their information so one day they may be a guest on our show. 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.