Knowing that some teens and adults with Asperger’s Disorder may be vulnerable to criminal behavior as a result of their disorder, parents need to take a higher level of involvement in their teen and adult child’s life. Repeated education about the rules of appropriate behavior is necessary, as is a close level of supervision.
All children, teens, and adults with Asperger’s Disorder should have an ID card or bracelet that identifies them as having Asperger’s Disorder, along with contact information. Police will likely notice that your child is different. However, they probably will not recognize that he has a serious disorder and therefore will not treat him any differently. Individuals with Asperger’s Disorder are not likely to grasp the situation they are in when being questioned by police. They may not be able to understand the consequences of their words and behavior. Their distorted perceptions of themselves and others may result in their making statements that are inaccurate but nonetheless incriminating. Their difficulty in social relationships may prevent them from understanding the formal relationships between themselves and police. Should your child be charged with a crime, it is important to seek advice from professionals experienced with Asperger’s Disorder.
