Treatment effectiveness for offenders with autism spectrum conditions: a systematic review

Clare L. Melvin*, Peter Langdon, Glynis H. Murphy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Theoretical suppositions suggest a potential vulnerability in some individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) to displaying offending behaviours. Additionally, it is recognised that the features of ASCs may result in possible barriers to treatment. A systematic review was undertaken to identify empirical evidence examining the effectiveness of treatment programmes for offenders with ASCs and to explore the potential impact of ASC symptoms on treatment outcomes. The studies identified consisted of a small number of case series and a collection of case reports with little or no direct comparisons to offenders without ASCs. A synthesis of the findings highlighted variability in treatment approach and impact. Effectiveness was primarily defined by reduction in further offending behaviours and was found to be variable across the data. The potential relationship between the symptoms of ASCs and treatment outcome was explored with all case reports identifying the need for adaptations to treatment programmes, necessitated by the symptoms of ASCs. This systematic review joins an existing body of literature emphasising need for more controlled research into the effectiveness of offending behaviour treatment programmes for individuals with ASCs, and for further investigation into the impact of the clinical features of ASCs on treatment outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)748-776
Number of pages29
JournalPsychology, Crime and Law
Volume23
Issue number8
Early online date16 May 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Sept 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum condition
  • autism spectrum disorder
  • criminal behaviour
  • offending behaviour
  • treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • General Psychology
  • Law

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