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Offenders with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

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Abstract

Adults and young people with autism can sometimes break the law, just like anyone without autism. Autistic populations with a forensic history are present in criminal justice systems (CJS) and in mental health facilities. Offenders with autism display a range of criminal acts and illegal behaviors and are found across the lifespan. Questions arise regarding the possible influence or role played by autism in committing an offence, and whether the cognitive and behavioral profile associated with the diagnosis affects positive treatment outcomes and further offending. Currently, the needs of autistic offenders are met through justice or health and social care pathways, however the is a dearth of literature regarding treatment for this groups and best practice for those with autism who break the law. High quality research on autism and offending behavior is needed, particularly in light of discourses on difference and neurodiversity.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Within this chapter the term autism is used to encompass the full spectrum of autistic disorders including Kanners or classic autism (with and without a co-morbid intellectual disability), Asperger’s Syndrome and atypical autism.

  2. 2.

    Appropriate adults are used in the UK in police stations to safeguard the interests, rights, entitlements and welfare of children and vulnerable people who are suspected of a criminal offence. Their role is to ensure vulnerable individuals are treated in a fair and just manner and are able to participate effectively with the aim of reducing the risk of miscarriages of justice as a result of evidence being obtained from vulnerable suspects by virtue of their vulnerability (The Appropriate Adult Network, 2018).

  3. 3.

    Registered Intermediaries are provided through the UK Ministry of Justice Witness Intermediary Scheme and are communication specialists who help vulnerable witnesses and complainants to give evidence to the police and to the court in criminal trials, for example if they have a learning, mental or physical disability or disorder (UK Government, 2021).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

    Clare L. Melvin

  2. Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK

    Glynis H. Murphy

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  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

  2. The Graduate Center and Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA

    Peter Sturmey

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Melvin, C.L., Murphy, G.H. (2022). Offenders with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In: Matson, J.L., Sturmey, P. (eds) Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88538-0_66

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