Maryland Mom Blasts Target After Profoundly Autistic Woman Arrested for Shoplifting: ‘Just Sickening’
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — A Baltimore mother is speaking out after she says Target wrongfully called police on a profoundly autistic woman accused of shoplifting. The incident, shared on TikTok, has sparked outrage among parents and advocates who argue the retailer mishandled the situation.
Baltimore Mother Calls Out Target on TikTok
The woman, who runs the TikTok channel Autism In the City and is a parent of a profoundly autistic 6-year-old, said she was horrified when Target had an autistic woman arrested for allegedly stealing items.
“Ten to ten, the woman that you guys put in jail for stealing from Target — who has profound autism — has no idea she did something wrong,” she said in her video.
@autism_in_the_city I really don’t care if I’m the only one who does it. Somebody has to make a stand. Target needs to be canceled once again for discrimination! If not one person in their staff could take a look at that 26-year-old profoundly autistic woman and see that she needed care kindness and compassion in that moment and most of all understanding then they do not deserve my money!#target #fyp #foryoupage #autismawareness #autismacceptance
She explained that individuals with profound autism often pick up objects like toys or snacks simply because they are familiar, without understanding the expectation of payment.
Outrage Over Arrest of Autistic Woman
The Maryland mom argued that it was highly unlikely the accused woman knowingly committed a crime. Instead, she criticized Target for criminalizing behavior that stems from a disability.
“While Target likely won’t miss my few dollars, that’s not the point,” she added, vowing not to shop there again. She encouraged others to follow suit, suggesting businesses only listen when money is withheld.
She also addressed Target directly, stating, “With the DEI boycott, we showed you the Black dollar does matter. Now we need to make the autistic dollar matter.”
Autism Advocates Show Support
Viewers rallied behind the Baltimore mom’s stance, with many pointing out how such situations could easily happen to their own autistic loved ones.
“It’s not even theft if she didn’t leave the property with unpaid items! This is so sad,” one supporter wrote. Others emphasized that greater awareness is desperately needed.
Though not all are committed to boycotting Target, the video has reignited calls for broader understanding and better treatment of people with disabilities in public spaces.
Do you think Target was wrong to escalate the situation to police, or were they simply following policy? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
