Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder estimated to have elevated prevalence in forensic populations (approximately 4.5%). It has been suggested that offenders with autism spectrum disorder engage more frequently in crimes against the person and sexual offences than other types of offences such as property, driving and drug offences. To date little is empirically known about the reasons why autistic individuals engage in sexual offences, yet understanding the motivation(s) for offending are key to developing and implementing effective interventions to help reduce both initial offending and also re-offending. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine autistic sexual offenders in prisons and probation services across England and Wales. Thematic analyses revealed five main themes (social difficulties, misunderstanding, sex and relationship deficits, inadequate control and disequilibrium). Analyses indicated that social skills difficulties, lack of perspective/weak central coherence, misunderstanding the seriousness of their behaviours and a lack of appropriate relationships were the main reasons for offending reported by this group of autistic sexual offenders. Findings highlight a need to develop sex and relationship education interventions which are tailored to the needs of autistic individuals, to address both their reported reasons for offending and their reported lack of sexual knowledge and awareness.

Are Mental Health, Family and Childhood Adversity, Substance Use and Conduct Problems Risk Factors for Offending in Autism?

“…Future research should consider more autism-specific risk factors to try to identify differences between autistic individuals who may offend and those who may not. A mixed methods approach could offer great benefit; for example, by employing a qualitative approach to identify reasons for offending, with further objective investigation using quantitative methods (see Payne et al 2019a ). With increased knowledge and understanding of the risk factors for offending (e.g., co-occurring personality disorder or ADHD), those at high risk who have a diagnosis of autism can be provided with more tailored support with a view to preventing autistic individuals from offending.…”

Justice System Interactions Among Autistic Individuals: A Multiple Methods Analysis

“…In fact, autistic individuals are more likely to be victimized (Gibbs & Haas, 2020; Railey et al, 2020; Salerno & Schuller, 2019; Weiss & Fardella, 2018), come into contact with criminal justice system professionals due to wandering or elopement (Copenhaver & Tewksbury, 2019) or seeking assistance (Gibbs & Haas, 2020). Research also suggests that a misunderstanding of rules and social cues (Allen et al, 2008; Payne et al, 2020), along with reduced access to services (Tint et al, 2017), and a history of abuse (Kawakami et al, 2012) may correlate with criminal justice interactions for autistic individuals.…”

Policy gaps and opportunities: A systematic review of autism spectrum disorder and criminal justice intersections

“…In a sample of adults with Asperger’s who accessed community services, Allen et al (2008) found that offending behavior was linked to obsessive interests, social naivety, and a misunderstanding of laws. Payne et al (2020) uncovered similar traits when analyzing self-reported motivations from autistic sex offenders. Copenhaver and Tewksbury (2019) further reported that a sizable number of police encounters occur because the autistic individual is wandering or missing.…”