Family
Jun. 8, 2026
'Beyond interests': Why family courts must rethink custody for children with autism
What works for neurotypical children often fails--sometimes catastrophically--for children with autism. Yet courts continue imposing standard parenting plans without the specialized understanding necessary to safeguard these children's wellbeing.
The traditional custody calculus fails our most vulnerable children. While family law has evolved to recognize the complexities of domestic violence, relocation and substance abuse, it has largely overlooked another critical dimension: the unique needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With autism now affecting 1 in 36 children, according to recent CDC data, family courts can no longer afford to apply generic developmental frameworks to custody determinations i...
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