<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2117852/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Brian Kelmar shares his inspiring journey of creating Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities (D3), an organization helping families whose autistic loved ones become entangled in the criminal justice system. </p><p>His personal experience with his teenage son's case revealed a shocking truth: many states fail to recognize developmental disabilities in criminal proceedings, despite acknowledging conditions like mental illness or addiction.<br><br>• Working to change laws, perceptions, and education around autism in the justice system<br>• Fighting against "counterfeit deviance" - when autistic behavior is misinterpreted as criminal intent<br>• Successfully passing multiple Virginia laws including mandatory autism training for law enforcement<br>• Creating diversion programs allowing judges to consider developmental disabilities during sentencing<br>• Helping families navigate the overwhelming complexities of the criminal legal process<br>• Addressing how autistic individuals can be easily manipulated into criminal situations without understanding<br>• Providing resources and research documentation to level the playing field against prosecutors<br>• Hosting monthly support meetings where families share experiences and learn from each other<br>• Working to expand successful Virginia legislative models to other states<br><br>Reach out to us at DecriminalizedDevelopmentalDisabilities.org or D3org.org if your family is facing these challenges. Remember: never let your child speak to law enforcement without a lawyer, educate them about vulnerable situations, and know that one person can create meaningful change - and that person can be you.<br><br><br></p><p>https://tonymantor.com<br>https://Facebook.com/tonymantor<br>https://instagram.com/tonymantor<br>https://twitter.com/tonymantor<br>https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic<br>intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild<br>Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)</p>