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Appearing in Court Social Story, Parts 1-3

Overview

These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of appearing in court to individuals with autism.

Part 1: The Courtroom

A boy stands in front of a woman who is a judge standing behind a desk holding a gavel.

If I break a law, I might go to court.

A woman with a briefcase stands next to a boy behind a desk.

I will have an attorney to help me.

A woman carrying a briefcase walks toward a boy.

Court is where decisions are made when a law is broken.

A woman wearing a robe who is a judge stands behind a desk holding a gavel. A gavel and balance are shown in the bottom right.

A courtroom is a busy place with lots of people, sounds, smells, and sights.

A man, boy, and woman with a briefcase stand before a judge. A gavel, courthouse, and gold scale are shown in the bottom left.

The judge is in charge of the courtroom.

A woman wearing a robe who is a judge stands behind a desk holding a wooden hammer. She says,

The judge decides what happens to people who break the law.

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Part 2: Testifying

A boy standing to the right of a woman says,

The attorney will help prepare me for court and understand the rules.

A woman with a briefcase stands next to a boy behind a desk.

I will sit at a table with my attorney in the courtroom.

A woman who is a judge stands behind a desk holding a wooden hammer. A woman, man, and boy stand together in front of her.

My parents can be in the courtroom with me.

A boy stands behind a desk next to a woman wearing a robe who is a judge.

If I am asked to speak that is called testifying.

A magnifying glass with an

I must tell the truth.

A police officer holding out a key stands to the left of a boy in handcuffs.

If I don’t tell the truth that is breaking the law.

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Part 3: After the Ruling

A boy stands in the center of the image and says,

It is okay to tell the Judge and my attorney I have autism.

A boy stands behind a desk next to a woman wearing a robe who is a judge. The boy says,

It is ok to ask them to repeat things I don’t understand.

A woman wearing a robe who is a judge stands behind a desk holding a wooden hammer.

When the Judge makes a decision this is called a ruling.

A frowning boy's face is shown in the center of the image.

I have to obey the Judge’s ruling even if I don’t like it.

A pencil and a lined piece of paper with the word

The judge may send me home with specific rules I must follow.

A bird's eye view of a building with several rooms and offices with people in them.

Or the judge may send me to a place to learn how to stay out of trouble.

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This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.