Clark County has made it a point to become the first court in the country to focus on children living with autism primarily. The Detention Alternative for Autistic Youth, or DAAY, Court helps provide resolutions for serious criminal cases involving young autistic individuals. Many of the most common cases involve assaults against family members and other types of domestic violence claims. Another common type of case seen in this court involves school-related incidents or batteries against teachers.
Judge Soonhee “Sunny” Bailey oversees cases involving autistic youth. She keeps snacks, toys, gift cards, and candy inside the courtroom to provide what she calls ‘positive reinforcement’ for the youth she manages every day. According to the Judge, offering these rewards for good behavior helps reinforce it and keep autistic children on track throughout the proceedings.
The purpose of this diversionary court is to first have the individuals tested for autism. If they do test on the spectrum, then these individuals are commonly expected to complete applied behavior analysis programs designed to help them reduce future violent episodes or meltdowns. Behaviors are shaped through positive reinforcement.
Judge Bailey is uniquely qualified to rule over this court because she also has had a young child who is on the spectrum. According to Bailey, her daughter became very aggressive and violent around age three. Bailey quickly got her daughter into ABA therapy, and the results were astonishing. She says her daughter went from about 250 aggressive episodes a day to around only one every six or seven months over the course of 24 years of treatment.
Judge Bailey seeks to also hold parents accountable to ensure they take their children to ABA therapy. The reason for this is because children who don’t complete the necessary hours of therapy will no longer be eligible for diversion and will instead be referred directly to juvenile criminal court. Unfortunately, that means the autistic child could be subject to criminal consequences.
ABA Therapy: Benefiting Nevada’s Autistic Youth
ABA therapy is available for autistic youth outside of this diversionary court, and it’s historically proven to be extremely beneficial for most youngsters on the spectrum. That’s because the goal of ABA therapy is to help replace maladaptive and aggressive coping mechanisms with more prosocial and socially acceptable ones. ABA therapy does not “resolve” autistic behaviors, but it does equip autistic individuals with the tools and skills they need to manage daily challenges and struggles in a healthier way.
Here at the Nevada Autism Center, our goal is to help empower all our clients to live out the best and brightest possible future. We seek to help autistic youth become as independent and autonomous as possible with ABA therapy sessions, family guidance, hosting summer camps, and utilizing model classrooms.
The facility currently accepts a variety of insurance plans including Aetna, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, and UMR. Get started on the enrollment process by filling out our online form or contact us now with any questions you have at (702) 660-2005.
