Sense and Sensibility: Forensic Issues with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Whilst it is widely accepted that the majority of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) lead law-abiding and productive lives, individual experiences can vary enormously. In some circumstances, poor outcomes might result in individuals with an ASD finding themselves in contact with the psychiatric and nonpsychiatric services of the criminal justice system (CJS). For individuals with an ASD, although contact with the CJS is more likely to be as a victim or witness of crime, some may have contact as a result of being a perpetrator of some form of offending behaviour. However, it is also possible that the same individual may fall into all of these categories. Whatever the circumstances, once within the CJS, such individuals are typically recognised to present with difficulties and needs that challenge mainstream services.