Hays County DA’s Office hosts training to raise autism awareness in criminal justice system

By Saige Klein

Blog Content Contributor

SAN MARCOS — Last week, the Hays County District Attorney’s Office hosted an “Autism in Criminal Justice” training aimed at educating local law enforcement on how to properly interact with individuals on the autism spectrum.

The training was led by Bell County Assistant County Attorney Anne Jackson, who shared her personal experience raising a child on the spectrum and how it inspired her to raise awareness within the legal field.

“It is incumbent upon lawyers in the system, whether we be defense, prosecutors or judges, to know what to do when we hear or read the word ‘autism’ in our work,” Jackson said. “We are the gatekeepers — the people with the power to affect people’s liberty and lives.”

Because of her personal experience, Jackson has worked to help create safer, more informed environments for individuals on the spectrum as they navigate the criminal justice process. She emphasized the importance of educating lawyers, judges and law enforcement officers on appropriate responses and procedures.

Jackson has also worked closely with her son, Tres Jackson, who has spoken publicly about his experiences living as an autistic individual. His advocacy has led him to collaborate with local law enforcement to promote greater understanding of autism in the criminal justice system.

“Autism doesn’t care about your skin color, religion or sexuality,” Tres Jackson said. “We try to be like everyone else, but there are going to be days when we struggle. When we call for help, I want us to be seen as someone in need … and not any of these other things.”

Hays County Criminal District Mental Health Attorney Ashley Seitz said the training is designed to help professionals better understand how to approach cases involving individuals on the spectrum.

“This training is really for law enforcement, for victim assistant coordinators, for probation, for prosecutors and defense attorneys to understand how to approach cases differently and how to support individuals who are on the spectrum,” Seitz said. “To really take into consideration how to pursue the case and how it should be resolved.”

The Hays County District Attorney’s Office is the first district attorney’s office in Texas to host this type of training.

For more information, visit Hays county DA.