Guidance for Justice Professionals on Effectively Communicating with Autistic people

Guidance

The NDA has published an updated version of its guidance for justice professionals on effectively communicating with autistic people.

This work updates original guidance from 2018 and implements an action assigned to the NDA in the Autism Innovation Strategy 2024–2026.

The document provides guidance to those working in the civil and criminal justice system on how to effectively communicate with and support autistic people who they may meet or engage with during their work. This includes members of An Garda Síochána and officials working in the Courts Service, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service, as well as the judiciary and members of the legal profession such as solicitors and barristers.

The NDA consulted with several organisations, including organisations supporting and advocating on behalf of autistic people, public bodies and experts in the development of the updated guide. It also contains real-life examples and personal accounts by autistic people, family members and justice professionals in Ireland.