Autism Defense Attorneys

Services
KJK understands that families with children on the autism spectrum may face legal battles throughout their lives. Led by Partners Susan Stone and Kristina Supler, our Autism & Mental Health Advocacy team is uniquely positioned to meet the legal needs of those families. In fact, we can address legal issues that start as early as three years old and that can confront students well into adulthood.  
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Services: Autism Defense

We ADDRESS the CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE 

TItle IX Proceedings

Now more than ever, many students with ASD find themselves accused of violating a school’s sexual misconduct policy. The Title IX process is stressful for any student, but for those with ASD and other disabilities, like ADHD or anxiety, it can be particularly traumatic. Skilled at defending these students, an autism defense lawyer can obtain accommodations to help our clients navigate the process.  

Criminal Proceedings

Unfortunately, many of our clients with mental health challenges find themselves facing prosecution. We often find that the criminal justice system does not have an understanding of ASD and other mental health disorders, or how these disorders impact lives. We vigorously advocate for our clients, presenting a defense that examines the way in which our clients understand the world.  

Waiver Proceedings

Managing the financial and physical care of children and adults with significant developmental disabilities often requires a state-funded waiver to pay for services. We help navigate families through the initial Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) process, as well as Ohio’s new Waiver Waitlist Assessment process, and advocate for the appropriate waiver to meet the individual needs of each child or adult.  

Services: Autism Defense

We Address Challenges Families Face

TItle IX Proceedings

Now more than ever, many students with ASD find themselves accused of violating a school’s sexual misconduct policy. The Title IX process is stressful for any student, but for those with ASD and other disabilities, like ADHD or anxiety, it can be particularly traumatic. Skilled at defending these students, a Cleveland autism defense lawyer can obtain accommodations to help our clients navigate the process.  

Criminal Proceedings

Unfortunately, many of our clients with mental health challenges find themselves facing prosecution. We often find that the criminal justice system does not have an understanding of ASD and other mental health disorders, or how these disorders impact lives. We vigorously advocate for our clients, presenting a defense that examines the way in which our clients understand the world.  

Waiver Proceedings

Managing the financial and physical care of children and adults with significant developmental disabilities often requires a state-funded waiver to pay for services. We help navigate families through the initial Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) process, as well as Ohio’s new Waiver Waitlist Assessment process, and advocate for the appropriate waiver to meet the individual needs of each child or adult.  

Autism Defense

Sentencing Consultation

We understand the unique vulnerability of defendants with autism, and we try to protect our clients from time in prison. Advocating for the most lenient sentence possible, we explain how our client’s disabilities contributed to the illegal conduct. We use our vast array of resources to prepare a sentencing presentation with a combination of medical, therapeutic and education reports, as well as community support and suggestions for alternatives to traditional incarceration.  

IS AN INDIVIDUAL WITH AUTISM MORE LIKELY TO BE FOUND GUILTY IN A CRIMINAL CASE?
The criminal justice system struggles to understand autism and how people on the spectrum experience the world. With most criminal cases ending in a guilty plea – 99% of cases, in fact – the sentencing phase of a case is crucial. Yet most attorneys approach sentencing with a mechanical and routine strategy. Worse, judges often sentence defendants with autism just as they would sentence any other defendant. 
CAN PROFESSIONALS THAT ARE FAMILIAR WITH ASD BE INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL CASES?
What sets us apart from other attorneys is that we collaborate with a variety of forensic psychiatrists, psychologists and experts from around the country to develop an individually designed sentencing proposal. Outside professionals assist with explaining complicated medical conditions and how these conditions impact the person’s day-to-day experiences. 
HOW DO YOU PURSUE ALTERNATIVES TO A PRISON SENTENCE?
By taking a team approach, we develop a compelling narrative that explains why the autistic client engaged in illegal behavior and what can be done to make sure illegal conduct never occurs again. We accept the challenge of urging courts to consider how the autistic brain works and how that should factor into a sentence. Our call is to craft creative and compassionate sentencing strategies.
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Autism Defense

Our Autism Blog

Real Talk With Susan and Kristina Podcast image

Intervention for Students with Special Needs

In this episode of Real Talk, Student & Athlete Defense attorneys Susan Stone and Kristina Supler are joined by Jaclynn Bosley, owner and executive clinical director of Thrive Early Learning Center, to discuss intervention and therapy strategies for students...

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Feb 18, 2021

college student walking to class

College Bound: The Best Universities for Students With Autism

Sending a child to college is often an anxiety-provoking prospect. There are so many unanswered questions that plague parents. Will their child be independent enough? Do they have the skills and resources needed to navigate a campus and a whole new social structure...

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Jan 14, 2020

Special Education Lawyer

Title IX Attorneys

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1375 East Ninth Street One Cleveland Center,
Cleveland
Ohio 44114
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10 West Broad Street One Columbus Center,Suite 1900
Cleveland
Ohio 43215
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