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Carol Nistakis shares her family's painful journey through the justice system after her autistic son was manipulated into illegal activity by a neighbor.

Her decade-long fight for justice led her to cofound D3, an organization helping families navigate the unique challenges autistic individuals face in legal proceedings.

• Began advocating when son was diagnosed at age 2, ensuring proper education and support

• Son functioned at age 10 level but was active in Special Olympics and held a part-time job

• 2012 incident led to 19 felony charges that were eventually reduced to one misdemeanor

• Court showed little interest in son's diagnosis despite extensive documentation

• Plea deal resulted in 2 years probation and 10 years on registry

• Son lost access to Special Olympics, recreation activities, and eventually his job

• Family was separated as son could no longer live at home due to restrictions

• Financial burden depleted savings meant for son's long-term care

• After 10 years, Carol secured a pardon and expungement without legal help

• Advocates for special courts with judges trained to understand autism

• Stresses that behaviors are manifestations of disability, not criminal intent

• Current autism rate is 1 in 31 children, making justice system reform urgent

Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me, the world, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.



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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild

Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)



The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. 

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. 

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
https://instagram.com/tonymantor
https://twitter.com/tonymantor
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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Carol Nistakis shares her family&apos;s painful journey through the justice system after her autistic son was manipulated into illegal activity by a neighbor.
Her decade-long fight for justice led her to cofound D3, an organization helping families navigate the unique challenges autistic individuals face in legal proceedings.
• Began advocating when son was diagnosed at age 2, ensuring proper education and support 
• Son functioned at age 10 level but was active in Special Olympics and held a part-time job 
• 2012 incident led to 19 felony charges that were eventually reduced to one misdemeanor 
• Court showed little interest in son&apos;s diagnosis despite extensive documentation 
• Plea deal resulted in 2 years probation and 10 years on registry 
• Son lost access to Special Olympics, recreation activities, and eventually his job 
• Family was separated as son could no longer live at home due to restrictions 
• Financial burden depleted savings meant for son&apos;s long-term care 
• After 10 years, Carol secured a pardon and expungement without legal help 
• Advocates for special courts with judges trained to understand autism 
• Stresses that behaviors are manifestations of disability, not criminal intent 
• Current autism rate is 1 in 31 children, making justice system reform urgent
Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me, the world, the conversations we&apos;re having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.
 
https://tonymantor.com 
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor 
https://instagram.com/tonymantor 
https://twitter.com/tonymantor 
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic 
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild 
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast&apos;s contents is at the listener&apos;s own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.

Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition. 

Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. 

Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support. 

From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. 

Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. 

Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide! 

Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy &amp; Human Stories.Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.&nbsp;Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.&nbsp;Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.&nbsp;From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.&nbsp;Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.&nbsp;Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!&nbsp;Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Carol Nesteikis: Autism and the Justice System

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2e04636e-ffeb-4c53-adc9-b4710102e22e/transcript