Having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can - given certain situational conditions - make individuals more vulnerable to becoming caught up in criminal activity and vulnerable to unfavourable interactions once in the criminal justice system. Guided by empirical research, psychological theory and illustrative case studies involving adults with ASD who have been implicated in crimes, Robyn L. Young and Neil Brewer explain why. They examine the pivotal cognitive, social and behavioural characteristics unique to ASD (such as weak Theory of Mind, restricted interests and acute sensory sensitivities) that - individually or in interaction - may contribute to individuals becoming involved in illegal activities. They then discuss how these same characteristics can result in ongoing ineffective interaction with the criminal justice system. Arguing that the forensic assessment of individuals with ASD requires substantial redevelopment to clarify the key deficits contributing to criminal behaviour, the authors highlight the need for, and desirable nature of, intervention programs to minimize the criminal vulnerability of adults with ASD and to prepare them for interactions with the criminal justice system. A final section raises some major unanswered questions and issues for future research. This book will be of immeasurable interest to criminal justice professionals including probation officers, social workers, clinical and forensic psychologists, police officers, lawyers and judges, as w ell as students of these professions.
1. Some Bad Guys. 2. Prevalence of Crime. 3. Behavioural Characteristics of ASD. 4. Criminal Vulnerability: Comorbid and Socio-Environmental Influences. 5. Criminal Vulnerability: ASD-Specific Influences. 6. ASD-Specific Influences: Case Studies. 7. Interactions with the Criminal Justice System. 8. Assessment and Intervention. 9. Future Directions. References.
The involvement of adolescents and adults with autism in the criminal justice system can be daunting for professionals and families who have limited experience or knowledge of how the system works. Fortunately, this excellent resource is extremely comprehensive and presents the main issues in all of their complexity yet in a way that is understandable for those without a legal background. Anyone dealing with criminal justice issues in ASD will appreciate this book and find it to be immensely interesting and informative.
