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Violent Behavior in Autism and Asperger's Disorder

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Handbook of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Law

Abstract

This chapter explores the literature which has investigated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in relation to violent behavior/offending. The aspects of ASD symptomology that can contribute to the violent behavior/offending are discussed in detail. Using both empirical studies and case studies, this chapter highlights how ASD symptomology can provide the context for vulnerability for engaging in violent behavior/offending, including single and multiple homicide. Although it is a sensitive and sometimes controversial area, it is nevertheless crucial that we develop an increased understanding about some of the factors which contributed to different types of offending behavior in individuals with ASD in order to inform preventative measures and develop more effective services and fairer hearings/court proceedings for those who do become involved in the criminal justice system.

Dr. Clare S. Allely, Reader in Forensic Psychology, School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, England and affiliate member of the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, England

    Clare S. Allely

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  1. Clare S. Allely
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Correspondence to Clare S. Allely .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center and Autism Center of Excellence, Yale University and Southern Conn. State University, New Haven, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA

    Rachel Loftin

  3. Division of Law and Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA

    Alexander Westphal

  4. Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Marc Woodbury-Smith

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Allely, C.S. (2021). Violent Behavior in Autism and Asperger's Disorder. In: Volkmar, F.R., Loftin, R., Westphal, A., Woodbury-Smith, M. (eds) Handbook of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Law. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-70913-6_11

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