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Margari A, De Agazio G, Marzulli L, Piarulli FM, Mandarelli G, Catanesi R, Carabellese FF, Cortese S. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sexual offending: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105687. [PMID: 38685290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sexual offending (SO) is an overlooked issue, both in clinical practice and in research. Based on a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42024501598), we systematically searched Pubmed and Scopus, between January 1st, 1994 and January 12th, 2024, for articles related to SO in ASD. Study quality was assessed with study design-specific tools (Study Quality Assessment Tools, NHLBI, NIH). We found 19 relevant publications (five cross-sectional studies, two case-control studies, and 12 case reports). Seven of the studies were deemed of "good" quality, the rest as "fair". Included studies addressed three key aspects: 1) psychopathological characteristics of individuals with ASD that increase the risk of committing SO; 2) intervention strategies for individuals with ASD and SO; 3) involvement of individuals with ASD and SO in the justice system. Overall, while there is an increasing interest in this topic, more rigorous study designs, including randomised controlled trials, are needed to inform clinical practice and healthcare and social policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Margari
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Agazio
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Marzulli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Piarulli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Catanesi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Felice Francesco Carabellese
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA; DiMePRe-J-Department of Precision and Rigenerative Medicine-Jonic Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Salter J, Blainey S. The effectiveness of interventions for offending behaviours in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD): a systematic PRISMA review. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:316. [PMID: 38816780 PMCID: PMC11140896 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01770-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that the core features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may contribute to offending behaviours and increased vulnerability within the Criminal Justice System. To date, there is a paucity of evidence assessing the effectiveness of interventions for offending behaviour in adults with ASD but without co-occurring intellectual disability (ID) across a broad range of forensic settings. The lack of robust evidence is concerning, as limited effectiveness may contribute to an increased likelihood of prolonged incarceration, particularly in the most restrictive settings. A PRISMA systematic review was conducted with a narrative synthesis to: (a) evaluate the evidence of the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing recidivism, (b) assess whether the core features of ASD impact the effectiveness of these interventions, and (c) identify additional factors that may affect the effectiveness of interventions within this population. Seven studies involving ten male participants were identified. The findings suggest that interventions for offending behaviours in adults with ASD without intellectual disability (ID) are largely inadequate, and that core ASD features need to be considered. Additionally, a complex interplay of risk factors potentially impacting intervention effectiveness was suggested. Limitations include heterogeneity across intervention types, measures of effectiveness, and what constitutes effectiveness. Despite the limited number of studies and data quality, the review aligns with a growing body of literature highlighting vulnerability and a need for evidence-based interventions for people with ASD. The review also discusses the broader implications of ineffective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Salter
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK.
| | - Sarah Blainey
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Slaughter AM, Hein S, Hong JH, Mire SS, Grigorenko EL. Criminal Behavior and School Discipline in Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2268-2280. [PMID: 30734178 PMCID: PMC6628706 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to delineate the prevalence of criminal behavior and school discipline in juvenile justice-involved youth (JJY) with autism. A sample of 143 JJY with autism was matched to comparison groups of JJY without a special education classification, JJY with learning disabilities, and JJY with other special educational needs (N = 572). Results showed that JJY with autism committed significantly fewer property crimes. With regard to school discipline, JJY with autism were least likely to receive policy violations, out-of-school suspensions, and in-school suspensions. Finally, regardless of special education classification, JJY who had a history of fighting in school were more likely to recidivate. Our results suggest that JJY with autism are not more likely to commit crimes compared to JJY without SEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Slaughter
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sascha Hein
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Judy H Hong
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah S Mire
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elena L Grigorenko
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-6022, USA.
- Laboratory of Translational Sciences of Human Development, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
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Treweek C, Wood C, Martin J, Freeth M. Autistic people's perspectives on stereotypes: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 23:759-769. [PMID: 29848001 DOI: 10.1177/1362361318778286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism stereotypes can often portray autistic people in a negative way. However, few studies have looked at how autistic people think they are perceived by others, and none have specifically asked autistic people what they think the autistic stereotypes are. Semi-structured interviews with 12 autistic adults (aged between 20 and 63 years) were conducted. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, three main themes emerged from the data. These were as follows: (1) the primary stereotype is that autistic people are 'weird'; (2) autistic stereotypes have negative effects and consequences; and (3) autistic people are heterogeneous. This study makes an important and novel contribution to understanding the experience of being autistic by exploring how autistic people feel they are perceived by others and identifying some of the ways in which negative stereotypes are believed to have negative consequences for autistic people.
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Abstract
Purpose
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings out the limitations of the Criminal Justice Service. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the salient issues and their remedies.
Design/methodology/approach
A narrative review based on the literature and the clinical experience of the authors.
Findings
ASD’s hidden disabilities, even without the frequent coexistence of other disorder, derail the standard responses to offending.
Practical implications
Management of these individuals as offenders depends on awareness of the issues, adaptation and the input of a variety of other services, especially health, social care and employment.
Originality/value
Although this is a very active field of work, there is relatively little written about it.
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Brewer N, Zoanetti J, Young RL. The influence of media suggestions about links between criminality and autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 21:117-121. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361316632097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether media reports linking criminal behaviour and autism spectrum disorder foster negative attitudes towards individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In a between-subjects design, participants were exposed to (a) a media story in which a murderer was labelled with autism spectrum disorder (media exposure condition) or not labelled with any disorder (control) and (b) an autism spectrum disorder-education condition attacking the myth that people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are likely to be violent criminals or a no-autism spectrum disorder-education condition. Participants attitudes towards three different crime perpetrators (one with autism spectrum disorder) described in separate vignettes were probed. The media exposure linking crime and autism spectrum disorder promoted more negative attitudes towards individuals with autism spectrum disorder, whereas the positive autism spectrum disorder–related educational message had the opposite effect.
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Allely CS, Wilson P, Minnis H, Thompson L, Yaksic E, Gillberg C. Violence is Rare in Autism: When It Does Occur, Is It Sometimes Extreme? THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 151:49-68. [DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2016.1175998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - E. Yaksic
- Serial Homicide Expertise and Information Sharing Collaborative
| | - C. Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg
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