CRIME, JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Public recognition and acceptance of the concept of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been a development over the past thirty years, during which we have come to see growing media focus on possible ASD involvement in criminal cases. Criminal cases of ASD are also being reported in the medical journals. While these anecdotal reports underline the affinity between ASD and crime, scientific evidence upholding this association is rare. This paper reviews the findings available to date on the association between ASD and crime, alongside discussion on the understanding and management of the risks involved, the needs for support, and further study.