The Unseen Project
Brooklyn Family Court Ends Compulsion — But an Autistic Child Remains Missing
A Brooklyn Family Court ruling has relieved Jacqueline Pritchett, mother of missing Jacob Pritchett, of any legal obligation to testify about her son. While upholding constitutional rights, this leaves law enforcement with little recourse in a case marked by potential foul play and systemic failures in child welfare and mental health.
EDITORIAL: When Being There Becomes the Problem
Many men face a quiet crisis when their emotional support becomes expected and controlling. While praised for being available, they may later become scapegoats for others’ trauma, leading to confusion and aggression. Understanding boundaries and practicing self-preservation are crucial for men to avoid losing their dignity and safety in emotional spaces.
When the Pilot Is a Parent: The Mental Health Crisis No Family Sees Coming
This article highlights the hidden mental health struggles pilots face, often stemming from fears of career repercussions if they seek help. Many pilots, while appearing stable, endure depression and anxiety, impacting their families who remain unaware of their pain. The piece advocates for systemic changes to support pilots’ mental health without jeopardizing their careers.
Courtroom PTSD: How High-Conflict Custody Battles Create Lifelong Trauma
Family court trauma is real—and it’s destroying lives. This article exposes how high-conflict custody battles cause long-term psychological damage, especially for parents with CPTSD, ADHD, or trauma history. Learn how the legal system punishes the vulnerable while enabling abuse.
Disability Advocates Condemn New York Court of Appeals and Judge Anthony Cannataro for Denying Disabled Father Access to Justice
On November 19, 2025, New York’s highest court dismissed Marc Fishman’s appeal for ADA accommodations, claiming it lacked jurisdiction. Advocates decry this ruling as systemic discrimination, highlighting that state courts can ignore federal mandates. They call for legislative reform to ensure disabled individuals can appeal ADA violations and seek justice.
The Psychiatric Weapon: How Mental Health Was Turned into a Weapon of Control
California’s family courts exploit psychological diagnoses to control parents, particularly those with ADHD and PTSD. Brenna Gano’s experience illustrates how evaluators and therapists profit within a closed loop of referrals and prescribed therapies. The cycle perpetuates trauma while undermining due process, leading to economic and emotional devastation for affected parents.
Justice Cannot Be Blind to Invisible Disabilities
In Maryland, a crisis is emerging in courtrooms regarding the ADA’s promise of equal access, particularly for individuals with invisible disabilities like ADHD and PTSD. Judges are often making determinations on disabilities without medical input, leading to high denial rates of accommodation requests. Reforms are necessary to uphold justice and compliance with federal law.
Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story
Giselle Smiel faces five felony charges, including kidnapping, after picking up her child at a San Diego school. Her defense argues that the charges lack legal basis due to improper venue and insufficient evidence. Concerns about ADA violations and a lack of due process during her detention are also highlighted by her supporters.
Md. ID law is a good step (Published in The Washington Post, Oct. 15, 2025)
Maryland’s “Eric’s Law,” allowing non-apparent disabilities to be marked on driver’s licenses, is a positive step for disability rights, promoting understanding in law enforcement. However, deeper reforms in the court system are required, including mandatory judicial training and oversight, to ensure fair treatment and evidence-based decisions for individuals with invisible disabilities.
The Disabilities You Don’t See — and the Systems That Still Don’t See Us
The post discusses the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities in America, highlighting systemic bias in courts and institutions that often fail to accommodate their needs. It emphasizes the need for better enforcement of the ADA, increased awareness, and proactive measures to ensure equal access and support for those with cognitive and trauma-related disabilities.
Maryland Family Courts vs. Invisible Disabilities: Rights Denied, Families Punished
In Maryland, family courts often fail to protect children and parental rights, treating invisible disabilities as reasons to deny custody. Judges and opposing parties exploit these disabilities, leading to severe consequences for affected parents. The system is characterized by delays and demands for excessive documentation, ultimately resulting in unfair custody losses for parents facing mental…
Maryland’s ADA Mirage: Rhetoric, Red Tape, and the Quiet Punishment of Invisible Disabilities
Maryland’s political rhetoric emphasizes equity and inclusion, but parents and students facing disabilities experience skepticism and delayed support. Federal deficiencies in education and court systems exacerbate challenges. Excessive documentation, bureaucratic delays, and inaccessible digital tools hinder timely accommodations. Proposed reforms advocate for accountability, streamlined processes, and genuine accessibility to achieve real equity.