Autism Spectrum Disorder and Criminal Justice: Square Peg in a Round Hole?
American Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, Volume 32, Issue 3, 2011
17 Pages Posted: 3 Dec 2012
Date Written: 2011
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with deficits in social cognition, personal idiosyncrasies and impaired empathy. Though most individuals with ASD steer clear of criminal justice, their peculiarities sometimes render them the focus of unwanted attention. Odd behaviors, awkwardness and inability to read others’ motives and behavior can lead to situations in which persons with ASD act impulsively, irrationally or with seeming antisocial qualities. Their interactions with law enforcement and the criminal justice system can be self-defeating or even disastrous. Persons with ASD may display behaviors that appear intentionally unlawful; yet, they may have a completely different subjective reality. Once charged, it is difficult for them to use ASD as a basis of a defense or mitigation. Accordingly, it is important to identify persons with ASD and to interpret their behaviors in light of what is known about their differences.
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