Judge Kim Taylor:A Judge's Journey with Autism

Send us Fan Mail Send us a text Judge Kim Taylor shares her journey as a pioneering female judge and mother of a son with autism, revealing how personal experience fueled her advocacy for autism awareness in the criminal justice system. Her work began after learning about Sidney Templeton, a young man with autism who died in police custody due to officers' lack of understanding about his condition. • First woman elected as district court judge in Alexander-Iredell-Davie County in 1986 • Created a task force that made autism training mandatory for North Carolina law enforcement • Developed educational resources including "Autism in the Criminal Justice System" video • Expanded advocacy through "Safe and Sound" committee with the Autism Society of America • Advocating for national legislation for more uniform autism training across jurisdictions • Emphasizes prevention and diversion programs over incarceration for those with autism • Identifies the need for compassion and understanding in the legal system • Won her initial election by just 75 votes across four counties • Highlights how perspective changes when issues affect someone personally 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.