Autism Spectrum Disorder – Dr. Laurie Sperry
Dr. Laurie Sperry is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst – Director of Autism Services and Programs in Arvada, Colorado. She has worked as a developer of the Neurodiverse Student Support Program at Stanford University, Department of Psychiatry. Prior to joining Stanford, she was an Assistant Clinical Faculty member at Yale University, Department of Psychiatry and a founding member of Yale’s Autism Forensics Team. Her work focuses on people with ASD who come in contact with the criminal justice system to ensure their humane treatment within the system. She has published numerous articles and served as expert panelist at the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law conference where she spoke on Risk Assessment, Management and ASD. She has experience in testifying as an expert witness in sentencing hearings and has written amicus curiae briefs that have been considered before the state supreme court.
This lecture focuses on the management of individuals with signs of autism by probation/parole officers and other professionals engaged in reintegration efforts. The intent is to raise awareness about this condition and provide management recommendations in particular for autistic clients who have a history of engagement in violent extremism.
The lecture has the following learning objectives:
- Identify the characteristics of autism
- Acquire tools to work with people with autism
- Formulate a plan based on real-world scenarios