Torisky Teaches About Working With Individuals With Autism

Published on April 09, 2025

Jesse Torisky, president and CEO of Autism Pittsburgh, visited the Allegheny County Jail in February to provide insight and offer tips on how staff can successfully work with residents who are on the autism spectrum.

ACJ staff members filled the Contact Visits room, and many others streamed the presentation as Torisky, a former assistant Allegheny County District Attorney, discussed traits associated with autism and techniques that ACJ employees can use to improve the lives of both those on the spectrum and those working with them.

Many ACJ employees applauded during the presentation and showed concern when Torisky showed video examples of law enforcement officials coming into contact with young individuals with autism. One impactful video showed a police officer’s encounter with a juvenile with autism. The juvenile was in a park and made some gestures the officer didn’t understand. The discussion escalated and the officer eventually tackled the juvenile.

“Frankly, I felt sorry for the officer because he didn’t know anything about autism,” said Torisky, who has a brother with autism.

Throughout the hour-long presentation, Torisky offered insights about how individuals on the spectrum may react in certain situations and how those working in a facility such as ACJ may misinterpret those reactions.

“Mr. Torisky’s insights on working with persons on the autism spectrum were educational and helpful,” said Tom McDermott, ACJ's Training and Accreditation Manager.

For example, Torisky said a person with autism may have trouble understanding multiple prompts. The person giving the prompts may mistake that as the person being noncompliant.

The solution, he said, is make it simple. Instead of saying “stand-up, go over to the corner, take off your coat, then find a chair,” Torisky suggested giving one prompt at a time: “Stand up. Now go over to that corner…”

The presentation, said McDermott, provided excellent guidance on how to better communicate with and protect ACJ residents with autism.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).