Special Considerations in Child Custody Evaluations for Children with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Asperger's Disorder, which now is subsumed under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM‐5, is increasingly being identified in children and adolescents. As a result, professionals in family law courts will have more exposure to children with ASD. However, there are limited guidelines and few published studies directing how family court professionals should take into account the unique needs of these families. This article will provide the reader with an understanding of high‐functioning ASD, the impact it has on the family, and comorbid issues. This article provides specific suggestions for how evaluators should assess families when a child has ASD and will provide guidance for attorneys and judges. Keypoints for the Family Court Community: The rate of autism has increased in recent decades leading to more children with autism being involved with family court professionals. Attorneys, judges, and mental health professionals working in family court need to understand high‐functioning autism and its impact on children, parents, and their families. Families with children with high‐functioning autism require custom‐made parenting plans that address the unique needs of the child. In developing parenting plans, family court professionals need to consider comorbid disorders when dealing with children and adolescents with autism. Family court professionals should have additional training and expertise when working with families where a child has high‐functioning autism. When families of children with autism are involved in family court, they present a broad range of unique factors which impact educational issues, parenting plans, decision making, treatment, and the entire family system.