Our Action member Telma Sousa Almeida from Portugal got support from Social Research Call 2024 from the The Social Observatory of “la Caixa” Foundation to the project ‘BEJUST: Breaking Barriers to Enhance Criminal Justice Interactions and Safeguards for ASD in Portugal’. The project is hosted by William James Center for Research, Ispa – Instituto Universitário and involves Action members Paulo Barbosa Marques, Dave Walsh, Ray Bull, Becky Milne, Katie Maras, Rui Paulo, Lennart May, Alan Cusack, Ivar Fahsing, Coral Dando, Amina Memon.
The project aims to investigate and address the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals within the Portuguese Criminal Justice System (CJS). By identifying systemic gaps and barriers, we seek to develop improved legal procedures and safeguards that promote inclusivity and justice for autistic individuals. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with police officers, legal professionals, and the autism community. The project is expected to yield detailed insights into the experiences and challenges of autistic individuals within the CJS, leading to the development of evidence-based recommendations and targeted training programs. These programs will improve the skills of law enforcement and legal professionals, fostering more effective, empathetic, and equitable interactions with autistic individuals. This research tackles a critical social challenge in Portugal: creating an inclusive, equitable justice system attuned to neurodiversity. The findings will offer actionable solutions expected to yield significant societal benefits, fostering a more inclusive CJS and positioning Portugal as a model for neurodiversity inclusivity within the justice system. These insights have the potential to influence global standards and practices, upholding the rights and dignity of all its members.