RT Article
T1 Characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and susceptibility to radicalisation among young people: a qualitative study
JF The journal of forensic psychiatry & psychology
VO 32
IS 3
SP 408
OP 429
A1 Walter, Florian
A2 Leonard, Sarah
A2 Miah, Suhel
A2 Shaw, Jenny
LA English
YR 2021
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1761550373
AB Previous studies suggest an overrepresentation of autistic people among terrorist offenders, specifically lone-actors, as compared to the general population. At present, there is little literature which examines core autistic traits and how these may make individuals susceptible to adopting radical ideology. Such findings would support the identification of individuals who may require intervention, and help to minimise the risk of exploitation and criminalisation of individuals with autism. This study was commissioned by a specialist school for autistic children in England to provide guidance for staff on how to identify and manage autistic young people at risk of being radicalised. The study included 34 qualitative interviews with experts in the field. Participants included National Health Service staff, academics, educational staff and counter-terrorism officers, as well as young people with autism from the UK. This paper presents findings relating to the existing evidence; key autistic traits and environmental contexts that may contribute towards a susceptibility to radicalisation; the current safeguarding measures and referral system, and; appropriate interventions across the trajectory into radicalisation, specifically the role of early intervention. Findings will help support clinicians and criminal justice professionals when working with individuals who present with radical ideology and have an autism diagnosis.
K1 Correction
K1 Terrorism
K1 Radicalisation
K1 Autism
DO 10.1080/14789949.2020.1854831