New criminal justice graduate empowered to support neurodiverse people

Tasha Nicholas' passion for criminal justice began when she was supporting a friend going through the justice system. Determined to be a better advocate and help others facing similar challenges, she decided to grow her knowledge of the system — a journey which led her to completing an online Certificate in Criminal Justice.

The flexibility of online study was key for Tasha, allowing her to continue living in Whanganui while balancing her other studies in mental health and addiction alongside her competitive horse-riding.

“I specifically looked for online learning because of my location, my other goals, and my neurodiversity.”

Tasha’s Asperger's (ASD) gives her a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and its challenges, with her lived experience shaping her career aspirations.  

“As someone with neurodiversity themselves, I want to start a company for supporting neurodiverse people going through the criminal justice system.”

Photo: Away from her studies, Tasha enjoys competitive horse riding.

The need for this kind of support is becoming further researched and acknowledged. According to Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People, around 2% of New Zealanders have been diagnosed with Autism, and 3% with ADHD. In comparison, global estimates found by the Law Association of New Zealand suggest that the rate of ADHD in prison is as high as 25 – 55%, and a Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health briefing estimates that nearly 49% of young people in youth justice residences had a suspected or diagnosed neuro-disability, including ADHD, FASD, autism and dyslexia. 

“Neurodiverse people can have challenges with communication and understanding what’s going on and the full ramifications of decisions and outcomes,” says Tasha. “Because I have ASD, I know for a fact that sometimes people don’t grasp what they’re admitting to.”

Director of Criminal Justice, Professor Helen Farley, agrees that Tasha’s lived experience will make her a stronger advocate and criminal justice professional.

“All of our learners bring a wealth of personal experience to the programme, and it is these diverse backgrounds that will empower them to become effective and influential criminal justice professionals.” 

Photo: Director of Criminal Justice, Professor Helen Farley.

For Tasha, the online CertCJ gave her the foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system she needs to progress her goals.  

“There was so much good information in the programme, especially CRJU101, about what is going on with the current system. You can walk out of this programme knowing that you are better armed with an understanding of what you’re walking into, and how to navigate it better. The behavioural content in CRJU120 about why people commit crimes was also phenomenal.”

Reflecting on her online learning experience, she found the online course material easy to understand and utilised Tuihono UC | UC Online’s Learner Support team to get an extension on an assignment when she became unwell with Covid-19.

Looking ahead, Tasha is now completing a Bachelor of Social Work to further support neurodiverse people in the justice system.    

“Criminal justice gives you a foundation to understand the systems and their implications, so you can help others through it. That’s my goal.”

Feeling inspired? Learn more about our innovative Certificate in Criminal Justice programme and take the next step towards a purposeful career in criminal justice!