Final presentation for Principles of Restorative Justice at Vermont Law School

1. Accommodating RJ
practices to meet the
unique needs of the
autistic community

2. Hello!
I am Kelly Bron Johnson
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3. 1. Let’s talk about
language

4. This is bigger than just autism
▰ Disability is not a bad word
▰ Identity-first language
▰ What the heck is neurodiversity?
▰ Presume competence
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5. Autism
A neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects
social communication and sensory processing
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6. #ActuallyAutistic
Formally diagnosed or not - class, race,
gender issues
Community
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7. Why is all this important?
Autistic people make up 4.4%
of the US prison population,
which is a rate of prevalence
of autism that is four times
higher than the general
population
Typically serving sentences for
social differences or
misunderstandings, public
meltdowns,
homelessness and drug addiction
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8. Darius McCollum
Intelligent, not
dangerous, never hurt
anyone, passengers
said he was “very
helpful” and friendly.
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9. There’s got to be a better way
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10. Autistic people who are convicted of
nonviolent crimes bypass the criminal
justice system completely
My Vision
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11. Adapted/Accessible RJ Conferences
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Why and How?
-Because everyone who wants an opportunity at restoration should have
that choice (inclusion and voluntariness)
-Because it helps “develop capacity for empathy and social-emotional
learning” - Professor Lyubansky
-Acceptance will come from community involvement and ownership of
conflict
-Adapted RJ circles/conferences make the process more comfortable
and possible for everyone.

12. Thanks!
Any questions?
You can find me at:
▰ kellyjohnson1@vermontlaw.edu
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