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Woodhouse E, Hollingdale J, Davies L, Al-Attar Z, Young S, Vinter LP, Agyemang K, Bartlett C, Berryessa C, Chaplin E, Deeley Q, Freckelton I, Gerry F, Gudjonsson G, Maras K, Mattison M, McCarthy J, Mills R, Misch P, Murphy D, Allely C. Identification and support of autistic individuals within the UK Criminal Justice System: a practical approach based upon professional consensus with input from lived experience. BMC Med 2024; 22:157. [PMID: 38609939 PMCID: PMC11015650 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03320-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (hereafter referred to as autism) is characterised by difficulties with (i) social communication, social interaction, and (ii) restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours. Estimates of autism prevalence within the criminal justice system (CJS) vary considerably, but there is evidence to suggest that the condition can be missed or misidentified within this population. Autism has implications for an individual's journey through the CJS, from police questioning and engagement in court proceedings through to risk assessment, formulation, therapeutic approaches, engagement with support services, and long-term social and legal outcomes. METHODS This consensus based on professional opinion with input from lived experience aims to provide general principles for consideration by United Kingdom (UK) CJS personnel when working with autistic individuals, focusing on autistic offenders and those suspected of offences. Principles may be transferable to countries beyond the UK. Multidisciplinary professionals and two service users were approached for their input to address the effective identification and support strategies for autistic individuals within the CJS. RESULTS The authors provide a consensus statement including recommendations on the general principles of effective identification, and support strategies for autistic individuals across different levels of the CJS. CONCLUSION Greater attention needs to be given to this population as they navigate the CJS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Woodhouse
- Compass Psychology Services Ltd, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Zainab Al-Attar
- University of Oxford, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
- Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Susan Young
- Psychology Services Limited, London, UK
- University of Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Luke P Vinter
- Department of Criminology, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | | | | | | | - Eddie Chaplin
- London South Bank University, Institute of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | - Quinton Deeley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National Autism Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ian Freckelton
- Law Faculty and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Castan Chambers, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Felicity Gerry
- Libertas Chambers, London, UK
- Crockett Chambers, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gisli Gudjonsson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jane McCarthy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Mills
- AT-Autism, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - David Murphy
- Broadmoor Hospital, West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare Allely
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
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Allely CS, Jouenne E, Westphal A, Staufenberg E, Murphy D. Autism spectrum disorder, extremism and risk assessment. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2024; 34:182-196. [PMID: 38341798 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, there is no evidence supporting the existence of an association between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and extremism in the general population. However, there is increasing recognition that several features of ASD may provide the context of vulnerability to engage in extremist behaviour. AIMS This paper sets out the case for a dedicated clinical approach to better integrate clinical risk appraisal processes with an assessment of ASD individuals' vulnerabilities within the Criminal Justice System. METHODS AND RESULTS In this paper the Framework for the Assessment of Risk & Protection in Offenders on the Autistic Spectrum (FARAS): A Guide for Risk Assessors Working with Offenders on the Autistic Spectrum is explored. In developing the FARAS, Al-Attar proposed seven facets of ASD that 'may have different functional links with push and pull factors to terrorism' (p. 928), which include circumscribed interests; rich vivid fantasy and impaired social imagination; need for order, rules, rituals, routine and predictability; obsessionality, repetition and collecting; social interaction and communication difficulties; cognitive styles and Sensory processing. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We describe the FARAS within the context of the most widely used clinical risk appraisal 'aide memoire' instruments integral to the Structured Professional Judgement of risk process, namely the HCR20v3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Jouenne
- Independent Expert, Radicalisation and Extremism, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alexander Westphal
- Division of Law and Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine (Primary), New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Child Study Center (Secondary), New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - David Murphy
- Broadmoor Hospital, West London Health Trust, Crowthorne, UK
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Melvin CL, Barnoux M, Alexander R, Roy A, Devapriam J, Blair R, Tromans S, Shepstone L, Langdon PE. A systematic review of in-patient psychiatric care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: effectiveness, patient safety and experience. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e187. [PMID: 36268640 PMCID: PMC9634562 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism are being admitted to general psychiatric wards and cared for by general psychiatrists. AIMS The aim of this systematic review was to consider the likely effectiveness of in-patient treatment for this population, and compare and contrast differing models of in-patient care. METHOD A systematic search was completed to identify papers where authors had reported data about the effectiveness of in-patient admissions with reference to one of three domains: treatment effect (e.g. length of stay, clinical outcome, readmission), patient safety (e.g. restrictive practices) and patient experience (e.g. patient or family satisfaction). Where possible, outcomes associated with admission were considered further within the context of differing models of in-patient care (e.g. specialist in-patient services versus general mental health in-patient services). RESULTS A total of 106 studies were included and there was evidence that improvements in mental health, social functioning, behaviour and forensic risk were associated with in-patient admission. There were two main models of in-patient psychiatric care described within the literature: admission to a specialist intellectual disability or general mental health in-patient service. Patients admitted to specialist intellectual disability in-patient services had greater complexity, but there were additional benefits, including fewer out-of-area discharges and lower seclusion rates. CONCLUSIONS There was evidence that admission to in-patient services was associated with improvements in mental health for this population. There was some evidence indicating better outcomes for those admitted to specialist services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Regi Alexander
- Broadland Clinic and Community Forensic Learning Disability Team, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, UK; and School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Ashok Roy
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, UK; Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Research, University of Warwick, UK; and Brooklands Hospital, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, UK
| | - John Devapriam
- Trust Headquarters, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, UK
| | - Robert Blair
- School of Computing Sciences, University of East Anglia, UK
| | - Samuel Tromans
- Adult Learning Disabilities Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK; and Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Lee Shepstone
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, UK
| | - Peter E Langdon
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, UK; Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Research, University of Warwick, UK; Brooklands Hospital, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, UK; and Research and Development, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, UK
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Melvin CL, Langdon PE, Murphy GH. "I feel that if I didn't come to it anymore, maybe I would go back to my old ways and I don't want that to happen": Adapted sex offender treatment programmes: Views of service users with autism spectrum disorders. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2019; 33:739-756. [PMID: 31304657 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cognitive and behavioural profile associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) includes difficulties with social interaction, communication and empathy. Each of these may present barriers to effective participation in sexual offending treatment, leading to poorer outcomes. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 men with autism and an intellectual disability (including the borderline range) who had completed an adapted sex offender treatment programme. Grounded Theory was used to explore the men's experiences of treatment and perceptions of risk. RESULTS The men's perceptions of sexual risk were inextricably linked to constructs of identity and shaped their opinions of treatment effectiveness. Risk of reoffending was conveyed through narratives of changes in self and circumstances and included notions of blame and culpability. CONCLUSIONS The findings illustrated some clear benefits for men with ASD associated with attending adapted sex offender treatment programmes, including delivery of treatment within groups and opportunities for social development. The study supports the view that difficulties with empathy and cognitive flexibility complicates treatment for sexual offending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Melvin
- The Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.,Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, The Broadland Clinic, Norfolk, UK
| | - Peter E Langdon
- The Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.,Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, The Broadland Clinic, Norfolk, UK
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Payne KL, Maras K, Russell AJ, Brosnan MJ. Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 24:307-320. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361319858860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience and possibilities for misdiagnosis of women with ASD in secure and forensic hospitals, via the medium of a lived experience case study. To consider the clinical value of the patient perspective of and insight into their disorder. The case study is supplemented by relevant associations to the MHA Code of Practice, the CQC report, Monitoring the Mental Health Act (MHA) 2016–2017, published on 27 February 2018 and current research findings in the fields of service provision, quality of care and treatment of female patients with a diagnosis of ASD.
Design/methodology/approach
A review and commentary of the author’s lived experience of a formal diagnostic assessment for ASD as a female patient in a secure and forensic hospital. In reviewing aspects of the author’s clinical assessment, the author has made contextual reference to the MHA Code of Practice, the CQC report, Monitoring the MHA 2016–2017, published on 27 February 2018, and current research findings. The account focuses on aspects of the author’s recent experience assessment and treatment for ASD which the author believes may be of use in informing clinical practice.
Findings
Open-ended exploration of a lived experience account/case study of a diagnostic assessment of an adult female patient for ASD, demonstrating the possible ambiguity of responses to questionnaire-based assessment tools and other deficiencies inherent to the assessment process and care and treatment of adult female ASD sufferers in secure and forensic hospitals.
Research limitations/implications
The author uses the lived experience as a patient to review and provide commentary on the clinical assessment for ASD. This review is, therefore, informed by an authentic patient perspective and not clinical perspectives. This paper highlights the need for further research into the diagnostic assessment of females for ASD in a secure and forensic hospitals.
Practical implications
First, to encourage practitioners to extend their range of thinking to be more inclusive of the patient perspective when performing a diagnostic assessment. Second, to increase practitioner awareness of the deficiencies in the current service provision for adult female patients diagnosed with ASD in secure and forensic hospitals.
Social implications
To improve patient experience of diagnostic assessment for ASD and the quality of the assessment and patient outcomes in secure and forensic hospitals.
Originality/value
The paper is original in concept in that it considers the inclusion of patient experience/views in assessment and formulation and links them to wider social policy and practice guidance. The case study is an authentic patient account informed by the author’s experience of secure and forensic psychiatric hospitals. The value of the paper may be determined by the extent to which the paper encourages practitioners to consider the patient perspective and experience of the diagnostic assessment and how this and subsequent care and treatment may affect the adult female patient in secure and forensic hospitals.
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Parenting an Adult with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28833-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gulati G, Quigley S, Murphy VE, Yacoub E, Bogue J, Kearns A, O’Neill C, Kelly M, Morrison A, Griffin G, Blewitt M, Fistein E, Meagher D, Dunne CP. A novel care pathway for prisoners with intellectual disability designed through a Delphi process. Int J Prison Health 2018; 14:276-286. [DOI: 10.1108/ijph-08-2017-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeIndividuals with an intellectual disability (ID) form a significant minority in the Irish prison population and worldwide prison populations. There is growing recognition that specialist services for such individuals are in need of development. The purpose of this paper is to propose a care pathway for the management of individuals with an ID who present in prison, based on expert elicitation and consensus.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of professionals with a special interest in forensic intellectual disabilities was invited to participate in a Delphi exercise. In total, 12 agreed to participation and 10 subsequently completed the study (83.3 per cent). Expert views were elicited using a semi-structured questionnaire. Content analysis was completed using NVivo 11 software. A care pathway was subsequently proposed, based on the outcomes of the analysis, and circulated to participants for debate and consensus. A consensus was reached on management considerations.FindingsTen experts across a range of disciplines with a combined experience of 187 years participated in the study. Current provision of care was seen as limited and geographically variable. The vulnerability of prisoners with ID was highlighted. The need for equivalence of care with the community through multidisciplinary input and development of specialist secure and residential placements to facilitate diversion was identified. Consensus was achieved on a proposed care pathway.Originality/valueThis study proposes a care pathway for the assessment and management of prisoners with an ID and is, therefore, potentially relevant to those interested in this topic internationally who may similarly struggle with the current lack of decision-making tools for this setting. Although written from an Irish perspective, it outlines key considerations for psychiatrists in keeping with international guidance and, therefore, may be generalisable to other jurisdictions.
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Ali S. Autistic spectrum disorder and offending behaviour – a brief review of the literature. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2018. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-05-2018-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper to synthesise much of the existing research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and offending behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
It considers three key areas, namely, first, a discussion about the nature of ASD and how it might be related to offending behaviour; second, a brief commentary about the prevalence of this population; and, finally, an exploration of the effective management and possible treatment outcomes.
Findings
Methodological limitations have resulted in variable findings which has hindered our understanding of this population. Some of the research is based on small, highly specialist samples making prevalence difficult to measure. The link between ASD and offending is still not well understood, and despite advances in staff training, awareness amongst practitioners remains an underdeveloped area, thus yielding variable treatment outcomes.
Originality/value
This review continues to demonstrate the urgent need for robust research in order to better understand the link between ASD and offending behaviour, to provide tailored, needs-led interventions, and reduce the risk of offending amongst this group as a whole.
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van der Veeken FCA, Bogaerts S, Lucieer J. Patient Profiles in Dutch Forensic Psychiatry Based on Risk Factors, Pathology, and Offense. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2017; 61:1369-1391. [PMID: 26721900 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x15619636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Forensic psychiatry embodies a highly heterogeneous population differing widely in terms of diagnoses, crimes committed, and risk factors. All of these are vitally important for treatment indications and should be accounted for in research. However, there is limited empirical knowledge of patient profiles. This study constructed patient profiles on the basis of the three domains mentioned above. Participants were found guilty of having committed crimes due to psychiatric disorders and were admitted to Forensic Psychiatric Center (FPC) 2landen or FPC De Kijvelanden in the Netherlands. Retrospective data were retrieved from patient files. Diagnoses were assessed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) criteria and risk factors according to the Historical Clinical Future-30 (HKT-30) instrument. Latent class analysis was conducted to define typologies; external variables were included for validation. Four different classes or "patient risk profiles," with varying psychopathologies, risk factors, and crimes, were identified. Results were consistent with previous studies, and external validation with the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) two-factor model and the four facets of the PCL-R agreed with results found. Results display specific risk factors for specific psychopathology/offense combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida C A van der Veeken
- 1 Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- 2 FPC de Kijvelanden, Kijvelandsekade, Poortugaal, The Netherlands
- 3 FPC2landen, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Bogaerts
- 1 Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- 2 FPC de Kijvelanden, Kijvelandsekade, Poortugaal, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques Lucieer
- 2 FPC de Kijvelanden, Kijvelandsekade, Poortugaal, The Netherlands
- 3 FPC2landen, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Autism spectrum disorder and criminal responsibility: historical perspectives, clinical challenges and broader considerations within the criminal justice system. Ir J Psychol Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2017.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
There has been relatively limited research focus on autism in the context of the criminal justice system. The relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and criminal responsibility is complex. Furthermore, the features inherent to ASD can have a significant bearing on a wide array of other issues in this context including police interviewing, fitness to be tried, culpability and the appropriateness of custodial disposal. This review explores the background to our understanding of ASD, patterns of offending behaviour and the nature of the relationship between this and characteristic ASD deficits. The clinical and legal challenges posed by ASD defendants in terms of identification, assessment and on a broader service level as they negotiate the criminal justice system are highlighted to illustrate the varied difficulties they may encounter and to draw attention to this field as a worthy area of research and training for the medical, legal and law enforcement professions.
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Alexander R, Langdon PE, Chester V, Barnoux M, Gunaratna I, Hoare S. Heterogeneity within autism spectrum disorder in forensic mental health: the introduction of typologies. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-08-2016-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Individuals with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within criminal justice settings are a highly heterogeneous group. Although studies have examined differences between those with and without ASD in such settings, there has been no examination of differences within the ASD group. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the findings of a service evaluation project, this paper introduces a typology of ASD within forensic mental health and intellectual disability settings.
Findings
The eight subtypes that are described draw on clinical variables including psychopathy, psychosis and intensity/frequency of problem behaviours that co-occur with the ASD. The initial assessment of inter-rater reliability on the current version of the typology revealed excellent agreement, multirater Kfree =0.90.
Practical implications
The proposed typology could improve understanding of the relationship between ASD and forensic risk, identify the most appropriate interventions and provide prognostic information about length of stay. Further research to refine and validate the typology is ongoing.
Originality/value
This paper introduces a novel, typology-based approach which aims to better serve people with ASD within criminal justice settings.
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Brewer RJ, Davies GM, Blackwood NJ. Fitness to Plead: The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/15228932.2016.1177285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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