#38 Justice Plea Deals and FASD with Katelyn Mullally

#38 Justice Plea Deals and FASD with Katelyn Mullally

Ever wondered about the hidden impacts of alcohol during pregnancy? This episode of 'Pregnancy and Alcohol: The Surprising Reality' sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked issue—Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Host Kurt Lewis chats with Katelyn Mullally, a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, who is delving into the intersection of FASD and the criminal justice system.

Katelyn's research focuses on how young people with FASD understand and navigate guilty pleas, revealing that they often struggle with comprehending the terms and consequences compared to their peers without FASD. Her findings underline the necessity for legal professionals to adapt their practices to better support individuals with FASD. With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, Katelyn shares her journey from a research assistant to a leading voice in this niche field.

She discusses her award-winning presentation at the FASD Forum 24 conference and the importance of making legal systems more accessible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities. If you're interested in how justice systems can better serve vulnerable populations or just curious about the real-life implications of FASD, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation that could change how you view the legal system and its interaction with those affected by FASD.