
Understanding Autism with Dr. Nick Dubin
From Set For Sentencing by Doug Passon
December 1, 2025 · 1h 17m · Episode 124
About this episode
Dr. Nick Dubin discusses the intersection of autism and the criminal justice system, sharing insights and advocacy for justice-involved autistic individuals.
Justice-involved autistic individuals have valuable insights for understanding criminal legal challenges related to autism. With proper support and guidance, positive outcomes are possible. Dr. Nick Dubin transformed his own experience in the criminal system into a story of advocacy and hope. IN THIS EPISODE: Autism is a condition of profound isolation; Examples of autistic vulnerabilities; A discussion of "theory of mind" (inability to intuit the intentions or feelings of others); How Dr. Dubin became ensnared in the criminal system; How to help decision makers understand the truth of autistic deficits; Advice for lawyers representing clients with autism; Why traditional therapy is not only unhelpful, but potentially traumatizing; Autistic "meltdowns"; Dr. Dubin's advocacy and accomplishments. PUBLICATIONS BY DR. NICK DUBIN: The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality and the Law: What every parent and professional needs to know https://www.amazon.com/dp/1849059195/ Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and the Criminal Justice System https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Disorder-Developmental-Disabilities-Criminal/dp/1787753611/ Caught in the Web of the Criminal Justice System…
People in this episode
Host: Doug Passon
Guest: Dr. Nick Dubin
Topics covered
- autism
- criminal justice
- advocacy
- mental health
- legal challenges
- support systems
Keywords
- autism
- criminal justice
- advocacy
- meltdowns
- theory of mind
- legal representation
- developmental disabilities
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Autism Innocence Project, Autism Speaks
Products: The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality and the Law: What every parent and professional needs to know, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and the Criminal Justice System, Caught in the Web of the Criminal Justice System: Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and Sex Offenses
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