Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
@dthreeorg.bsky.social
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating for ending the criminalization of autism & IDD through reform and advocacy. We stand with families to build a compassionate legal system. ⚖️ dthree.org
Please support our mission: https://givebutter.com/dthree
Please support our mission: https://givebutter.com/dthree
All stakeholders in the criminal legal system need additional training, including judges.
medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02...
medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02...
California state court judges found to have gaps in their understanding of autism
A new study identifies significant gaps in judges' knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which can lead to inequities in how people with this disorder are treated in legal settings. The stud...
medicalxpress.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:17 PM
All stakeholders in the criminal legal system need additional training, including judges.
medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02...
medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02...
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
California’s Fair Chance Act helps ensure a record isn’t a permanent barrier to work. But true justice means going further: ending the exploitation of incarcerated workers with disabilities, many of whom earn pennies an hour without accommodations.
November 13, 2025 at 3:45 PM
California’s Fair Chance Act helps ensure a record isn’t a permanent barrier to work. But true justice means going further: ending the exploitation of incarcerated workers with disabilities, many of whom earn pennies an hour without accommodations.
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
ON THE DOCKET: Friday, February 6, 2026 House Courts Crim Sub will meet 15 minutes after adjournment of the House. Mental Health Evidence Fix, Juvenile Diversion, and a bill to Eliminate Felony Possession of Residue (unusable trace amount). house.vga.virginia.gov/subcommittee...
February 6, 2026 at 4:50 PM
ON THE DOCKET: Friday, February 6, 2026 House Courts Crim Sub will meet 15 minutes after adjournment of the House. Mental Health Evidence Fix, Juvenile Diversion, and a bill to Eliminate Felony Possession of Residue (unusable trace amount). house.vga.virginia.gov/subcommittee...
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
In 2003, Robert was wrongfully convicted and put on death row for the murder of his 2-year-old chronically ill daughter Nikki, based on the outdated “shaken baby theory.” He has narrowly escaped execution three times — the last one in October 2025.
https://bit.ly/4cgPCzw
https://bit.ly/4cgPCzw
State granted 60-day extension in Robert Roberson case
ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK)– After Anderson County death row inmate Robert Roberson was granted an execution stay this past October, the state has been granted a 60-day extension to determi...
www.ketk.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:48 PM
In 2003, Robert was wrongfully convicted and put on death row for the murder of his 2-year-old chronically ill daughter Nikki, based on the outdated “shaken baby theory.” He has narrowly escaped execution three times — the last one in October 2025.
https://bit.ly/4cgPCzw
https://bit.ly/4cgPCzw
These are two of the bills we are working hard to pass in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
HB247 - 2026 Regular Session | LIS
lis.virginia.gov
February 4, 2026 at 9:43 PM
These are two of the bills we are working hard to pass in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
“This new lawsuit is a serious attack on one of the most important and hard-fought rights for people with disabilities — the right to live and participate in their own communities,” said Alison Barkoff, a professor at George Washington University...
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/02/02/s...
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/02/02/s...
States Sue Over Right Of People With Disabilities To Live In The Community
In a new twist in a long-running lawsuit, a coalition of states is challenging the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in the community as opposed to institutions.
www.disabilityscoop.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:08 PM
“This new lawsuit is a serious attack on one of the most important and hard-fought rights for people with disabilities — the right to live and participate in their own communities,” said Alison Barkoff, a professor at George Washington University...
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/02/02/s...
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/02/02/s...
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
“Diversion programs are proven methods of accountability that allow participants to avoid the harms of incarceration. I like to think of them as an off-ramp for people before many of the consequences of the criminal legal system come into force.”—Vera’s Meghan Nayak
January 30, 2026 at 9:36 PM
“Diversion programs are proven methods of accountability that allow participants to avoid the harms of incarceration. I like to think of them as an off-ramp for people before many of the consequences of the criminal legal system come into force.”—Vera’s Meghan Nayak
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
Because of his undiagnosed autism, Robert Roberson was seen as “cold” and “unemotional” instead of terrified and grieving. That misunderstanding helped send an innocent man to death row. Read more from the Autism Society of Texas: www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl...
He's autistic. Jurors misread that as guilt. Will Texas execute him?
Overwhelming evidence shows that Robert Roberson is innocent.
www.houstonchronicle.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Because of his undiagnosed autism, Robert Roberson was seen as “cold” and “unemotional” instead of terrified and grieving. That misunderstanding helped send an innocent man to death row. Read more from the Autism Society of Texas: www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl...
Deaf in Prison: An Interview with HEARD Advocate and HEARD's Public Education (PET) Graduate - autisticadvocacy.org/2026/01/deaf...
Deaf in Prison
Deaf in Prison: An Interview with HEARD Advocate and HEARD's Public Education (PET) Graduate. Conducted for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
autisticadvocacy.org
January 30, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Deaf in Prison: An Interview with HEARD Advocate and HEARD's Public Education (PET) Graduate - autisticadvocacy.org/2026/01/deaf...
This story hits home for our population and should be a cautionary tale for those involved in corrections. Sadly, we see it all too often at DThree.
Do not mistake neurodivergence for behavioral defiance. Doing so can cost an autistic person their life. (6-15-25) www.kmbc.com/article/kmbc...
Do not mistake neurodivergence for behavioral defiance. Doing so can cost an autistic person their life. (6-15-25) www.kmbc.com/article/kmbc...
Ohio family pushes for updated restraint chair training for people with neurodivergence
Isaiah Trammell lived with autism, Tourette’s, ADHD and died after his time in a restraint chair in Dayton, Ohio.
www.kmbc.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:59 PM
This story hits home for our population and should be a cautionary tale for those involved in corrections. Sadly, we see it all too often at DThree.
Do not mistake neurodivergence for behavioral defiance. Doing so can cost an autistic person their life. (6-15-25) www.kmbc.com/article/kmbc...
Do not mistake neurodivergence for behavioral defiance. Doing so can cost an autistic person their life. (6-15-25) www.kmbc.com/article/kmbc...
One of our *awesome*, talented and sensitive supporters of Dthree wrote us an anthem. We think it’s perfect in every way! Nothing reaches the heart like music. DThree has a powerful mission, and Eric encapsulated it beautifully and intensely through song. Way to go, Eric! youtu.be/xk9NU9PBtMs?...
DThree Anthem (Standing for the Spectrum)
YouTube video by Autistic Voyage
youtu.be
January 30, 2026 at 5:12 AM
One of our *awesome*, talented and sensitive supporters of Dthree wrote us an anthem. We think it’s perfect in every way! Nothing reaches the heart like music. DThree has a powerful mission, and Eric encapsulated it beautifully and intensely through song. Way to go, Eric! youtu.be/xk9NU9PBtMs?...
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
Statement from the Autism Society of Minnesota:
"The Autism Society of Minnesota is deeply concerned for all autistic individuals, who are statistically estimated to be 7–12 times more likely to encounter law enforcement due to disability-related processing differences."
"The Autism Society of Minnesota is deeply concerned for all autistic individuals, who are statistically estimated to be 7–12 times more likely to encounter law enforcement due to disability-related processing differences."
Statement on Immigration and Customs Enforcement Activity in Minnesota – AuSM
On Tuesday, January 13, Minnesota Public Radio shared a story on its social media page showing video of a woman in visible distress as she was pulled from her car, cut from her seatbelt, tackled force...
ausm.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Statement from the Autism Society of Minnesota:
"The Autism Society of Minnesota is deeply concerned for all autistic individuals, who are statistically estimated to be 7–12 times more likely to encounter law enforcement due to disability-related processing differences."
"The Autism Society of Minnesota is deeply concerned for all autistic individuals, who are statistically estimated to be 7–12 times more likely to encounter law enforcement due to disability-related processing differences."
Ever wonder how criminal defense lawyers perceive their autistic clients? A new study may give us a window of insight into this question. phys.org/news/2026-01...
US defense attorneys' view on autism highlights challenges faced by neurodiverse clients
A new study on how U.S. defense attorneys think about autism and use strategies informed by neurodiversity in their work finds that attorneys saw autism through a medical lens and acknowledged the nee...
phys.org
January 29, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Ever wonder how criminal defense lawyers perceive their autistic clients? A new study may give us a window of insight into this question. phys.org/news/2026-01...
Calling the police on a kindergartner isn’t safe. Dthree demands support, not criminalization. We need safe havens for neurodivergent kids, not a prison pipeline. #Dthree #StopTheShock www.foxla.com/news/lake-st...
Mother says LA school calls police over autistic kindergartner’s behavior
Asia Terry says Lake Street Primary in LA’s Westlake is criminalizing her son’s disability.
www.foxla.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Calling the police on a kindergartner isn’t safe. Dthree demands support, not criminalization. We need safe havens for neurodivergent kids, not a prison pipeline. #Dthree #StopTheShock www.foxla.com/news/lake-st...
An information-packed webinar with Dr. Colleen Berryessa from Jan 23, 2026, on ASD and its impact on criminal legal outcomes. www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7tf...
Law and Mental Health: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Impacts on Criminal-Legal Outcomes
YouTube video by UNM Dept of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
www.youtube.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:51 PM
An information-packed webinar with Dr. Colleen Berryessa from Jan 23, 2026, on ASD and its impact on criminal legal outcomes. www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7tf...
Trauma-Informed Care is key to autistic safety in the criminal legal system. Vital read from Autism Spectrum News autismspectrumnews.org/trauma-infor...
Trauma-Informed Care in the Criminal Justice System: Supporting the Emotional and Physical Wellness of Autistic Individuals
Autistic individuals face unique challenges in the Criminal Justice System. Trauma-informed care can improve outcomes.
autismspectrumnews.org
January 26, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Trauma-Informed Care is key to autistic safety in the criminal legal system. Vital read from Autism Spectrum News autismspectrumnews.org/trauma-infor...
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
The federal prison system has a significant shortage of psychologists, and longtime bureau employees say the effect is catastrophic.
With fewer and fewer employees to run the prisons, psychologists were repeatedly forced to act as guards.
With fewer and fewer employees to run the prisons, psychologists were repeatedly forced to act as guards.
Amid ‘Catastrophic’ Shortage, Psychologists Flee Federal Prisons in Droves
With fewer and fewer employees to run the prisons, psychologists were repeatedly forced to act as guards.
www.themarshallproject.org
January 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The federal prison system has a significant shortage of psychologists, and longtime bureau employees say the effect is catastrophic.
With fewer and fewer employees to run the prisons, psychologists were repeatedly forced to act as guards.
With fewer and fewer employees to run the prisons, psychologists were repeatedly forced to act as guards.
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
If you read 1 long 🧵today—
Disability Criminalization: A Primer
“Disability criminalization occurs when conduct connected to disability, such as: speech, crisis, movement is interpreted as disorderly, threatening, or criminal. It's not about crime, but about how law and culture misread disability.”
Disability Criminalization: A Primer
“Disability criminalization occurs when conduct connected to disability, such as: speech, crisis, movement is interpreted as disorderly, threatening, or criminal. It's not about crime, but about how law and culture misread disability.”
September 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
If you read 1 long 🧵today—
Disability Criminalization: A Primer
“Disability criminalization occurs when conduct connected to disability, such as: speech, crisis, movement is interpreted as disorderly, threatening, or criminal. It's not about crime, but about how law and culture misread disability.”
Disability Criminalization: A Primer
“Disability criminalization occurs when conduct connected to disability, such as: speech, crisis, movement is interpreted as disorderly, threatening, or criminal. It's not about crime, but about how law and culture misread disability.”
Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scenario. Officers mistaking autistic behavior for being high on drugs or intoxicated need to be addressed through targeted officer training and meaningful policy change. www.investigatetv.com/2025/09/11/t...
Tennessee man with autism becomes latest sober driver to be arrested for DUI
A sober man with autism is arrested for DUI after police mistake his disability for signs of impairment.
www.investigatetv.com
January 25, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scenario. Officers mistaking autistic behavior for being high on drugs or intoxicated need to be addressed through targeted officer training and meaningful policy change. www.investigatetv.com/2025/09/11/t...
Reposted by Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (DThree)
As brutal temperatures blanket the U.S., people behind bars experience particularly deadly conditions.
Here's what data show about the dangers of extreme cold in prison 🧵
Here's what data show about the dangers of extreme cold in prison 🧵
January 25, 2026 at 2:15 PM
As brutal temperatures blanket the U.S., people behind bars experience particularly deadly conditions.
Here's what data show about the dangers of extreme cold in prison 🧵
Here's what data show about the dangers of extreme cold in prison 🧵
Congratulations to Melinda Murphy for publishing this outstanding editorial in April 2025. Worth a read! www.post-gazette.com/opinion/gues...
Melinda Murphy: The criminal justice system is dangerous for autistic people
Mr. Robert Roberson was wrongfully convicted in 2003 of murdering his 2 year old daughter, convicted on the basis of “junk science,” but arrested...
www.post-gazette.com
January 24, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Congratulations to Melinda Murphy for publishing this outstanding editorial in April 2025. Worth a read! www.post-gazette.com/opinion/gues...
More of this, please. This is what we like to see. sanantonioreport.org/san-antonio-...
San Antonio officials advance discussions on jail diversion
A CCR from Councilmember Teri Castillo advanced Tuesday as officials expressed support for a centralized diversion and recovery system.
sanantonioreport.org
January 24, 2026 at 4:12 AM
More of this, please. This is what we like to see. sanantonioreport.org/san-antonio-...