Christine Vester

Thank you, Chani. Thank you for having me on.

Thank you, Chani. Thank you for having me on.

Thank you, Chani. Thank you for having me on.

Humanity Over Handcuffs is still in the early stages, but it's already become a lifeline for families because of your podcast and the platform and everyone that's joined in for the 60 Day Project. It was born from the realization that autistic individuals are being misunderstood, criminalized, and abandoned by a system that really should be helping them. We're building more than a movement.

Humanity Over Handcuffs is still in the early stages, but it's already become a lifeline for families because of your podcast and the platform and everyone that's joined in for the 60 Day Project. It was born from the realization that autistic individuals are being misunderstood, criminalized, and abandoned by a system that really should be helping them. We're building more than a movement.

Humanity Over Handcuffs is still in the early stages, but it's already become a lifeline for families because of your podcast and the platform and everyone that's joined in for the 60 Day Project. It was born from the realization that autistic individuals are being misunderstood, criminalized, and abandoned by a system that really should be helping them. We're building more than a movement.

We're building a future, a place where families can find support, legal tools and resources. and bridge that gap. Our website is currently being developed and will be a centralized hub where families can access vital information, connect with families, connect with advocates, and find real solutions. It's just the beginning. We're laying a strong foundation to create real change.

We're building a future, a place where families can find support, legal tools and resources. and bridge that gap. Our website is currently being developed and will be a centralized hub where families can access vital information, connect with families, connect with advocates, and find real solutions. It's just the beginning. We're laying a strong foundation to create real change.

We're building a future, a place where families can find support, legal tools and resources. and bridge that gap. Our website is currently being developed and will be a centralized hub where families can access vital information, connect with families, connect with advocates, and find real solutions. It's just the beginning. We're laying a strong foundation to create real change.

Unfortunately, what often happens is an autistic individual is really misunderstood. When an autistic person is in distress, especially when an officer is coming and they're not aware that they're autistic, which I always say when you're making a phone call to police, make sure you let them know. Their behaviors may look unusual to a police officer.

Unfortunately, what often happens is an autistic individual is really misunderstood. When an autistic person is in distress, especially when an officer is coming and they're not aware that they're autistic, which I always say when you're making a phone call to police, make sure you let them know. Their behaviors may look unusual to a police officer.

Unfortunately, what often happens is an autistic individual is really misunderstood. When an autistic person is in distress, especially when an officer is coming and they're not aware that they're autistic, which I always say when you're making a phone call to police, make sure you let them know. Their behaviors may look unusual to a police officer.

Noncompliant, lack of eye contact, shutdowns, even sensory overload can be misread as aggression or defiant. when they're really not. We, as a family, know our children, know our loved ones when they're autistic. We live it, breathe it, and experience it all day. Some police officers are not educated in this area.

Noncompliant, lack of eye contact, shutdowns, even sensory overload can be misread as aggression or defiant. when they're really not. We, as a family, know our children, know our loved ones when they're autistic. We live it, breathe it, and experience it all day. Some police officers are not educated in this area.

Noncompliant, lack of eye contact, shutdowns, even sensory overload can be misread as aggression or defiant. when they're really not. We, as a family, know our children, know our loved ones when they're autistic. We live it, breathe it, and experience it all day. Some police officers are not educated in this area.

What's really happening is the brain is really overwhelmed and their sensory overload is just like, it's firing off.

What's really happening is the brain is really overwhelmed and their sensory overload is just like, it's firing off.

What's really happening is the brain is really overwhelmed and their sensory overload is just like, it's firing off.

The system treats neurological differences like a criminal behavior. And that has to change. We have to do better. We see it in the news every day. And, you know, we have judges and attorneys and house representatives and families coming forward on this podcast. So I really hope that the prosecutors and judges really listen to this.

The system treats neurological differences like a criminal behavior. And that has to change. We have to do better. We see it in the news every day. And, you know, we have judges and attorneys and house representatives and families coming forward on this podcast. So I really hope that the prosecutors and judges really listen to this.