A new open access study explores the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the risk of engaging in extremist behaviour. Despite a lack of evidence connecting ASD directly to terrorism in the general population, the study introduces the Framework for the Assessment of Risk & Protection in Offenders on the Autistic Spectrum (FARAS), offering a new perspective on addressing the vulnerabilities of individuals with ASD within the Criminal Justice System.
FARAS identifies seven facets of ASD that potentially influence the susceptibility to terrorism, including circumscribed interests, need for order, and social communication difficulties. This framework serves not as a standalone risk assessment tool but as a supplementary aid to enhance traditional risk evaluation methods by incorporating autism-specific characteristics.
The study stresses the importance of adapting risk assessments to recognise the unique features of ASD, advocating for a tailored approach in forensic settings. It underscores the need for future research to explore the effectiveness of FARAS in various forensic contexts and its potential to improve decision-making processes.
The implications of this research are significant, highlighting the necessity for autism-informed risk assessments in preventing extremist behaviour. By understanding the specific vulnerabilities and strengths of individuals with ASD, professionals can better support rehabilitation and risk management strategies.
This new study offers a critical insight into the intersection of autism and extremism, urging a re-evaluation of current risk assessment practices and encouraging the development of tools that are sensitive to the diverse needs of the autistic population.