FOCUS
The increased attention to policing in recent years has shed light on misconduct and violence against individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability involving challenges with social interactions and communication. Existing knowledge of these encounters suggests the non-apparent nature of autism, and lack of systematic police training creates potentially dangerous circumstances for individuals with autism and their families, especially for those who are also of color. To understand how disability, race, and ethnicity shape this health and justice inequity, Isabella’s research focuses on the experiences of Latino, Hispanic, and Black individuals with autism and their families. Her goal is to develop and expand this underdeveloped area of criminological research through community-informed collaboration among these populations, the police, and policymakers aimed at systemic change.
MORE ABOUT ISABELLA
Isabella is a first-generation Mexican Guamanian scholar. Her passion for disability and racial justice is driven by her lived experience with her little brother, Richie, who has autism. Leveraging her expertise and familial background, she is committed to making a healthier, safer, and more equitable world for individuals like her brother.
