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Identification and support of autistic individuals within the UK Criminal Justice System: a practical approach based upon professional consensus with input from lived experience

Woodhouse, Emma
; 
Hollingdale, Jack
; 
Davies, Lisa
; 
Al-Attar, Zainab
; 
Young, Susan
; 
Vinter, Luke P.
; 
Agyemang, Kwaku
; 
Bartlett, Carla
; 
Berryessa, Colleen
; 
Chaplin, Eddie
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Affiliation
Compass Psychology Services; King’s College London; Expert Psychological Services, Brighton; University of Oxford; University College London; Victoria University; University of Central Lancashire; University of Reykjavík; University of Derby; Barnet, Enfield & Haringey NHS Trust; Tully Forensic Psychology, Nottingham; Rutgers University; London South Bank University; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust; University of Melbourne; Castan Chambers, Melbourne; Libertas Chambers, London; Crockett Chambers, Melbourne; University of Bath; University of Chester; University of Auckland; AT-Autism, London; Royal College of Psychiatrists; West London NHS Trust; University of Salford
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2024-04-12
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Psychology
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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.
Citation
Woodhouse, E., Hollingdale, J., Davies, L., Al-Attar, Z., Young, S., Vinter, L. P., 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. (2024). 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 Medicine, 22(1), article-number 157. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03320-3
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BioMed Central
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BMC Medicine
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http://hdl.handle.net/10034/628606
DOI
10.1186/s12916-024-03320-3
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PubMed Central ID
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Article
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1741-7015
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https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-024-03320-3