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Heterogeneity within Autism Spectrum Disorder in Forensic Mental Health: The Introduction of Typologies

Alexander, Regi T., Langdon, Peter E., Chester, Verity, Barnoux, Magali, Gunaratna, Ignatius, Hoare, Sudeep (2016) Heterogeneity within Autism Spectrum Disorder in Forensic Mental Health: The Introduction of Typologies. Advances in Autism, 2 (4). pp. 201-209. ISSN 2056-3868. (doi:10.1108/AIA-08-2016-0021) (KAR id:56761)

Abstract

Purpose: Individuals with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within criminal justice settings are a highly heterogeneous group. Although studies have examined differences between those with and without ASD in such settings, there has been no examination of differences within the ASD group.

Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on the findings of a service evaluation project, this paper introduces a typology of ASD within forensic mental health and learning disability settings.

Findings: The eight sub-types that are described draw on clinical variables including psychopathy, psychosis and intensity/ frequency of problem behaviours that co-occur with

the ASD. The initial assessment of inter rater reliability on the current version of the typology revealed excellent agreement, multirater Kfree = .90.

Practical implications: The proposed typology could improve understanding of the relationship between ASD and forensic risk, identify the most appropriate interventions and

provide prognostic information about length of stay. Further research to refine and validate the typology is ongoing.

Originality/value: This paper introduces a novel, typology based approach which aims to better serve people with ASD within criminal justice settings.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1108/AIA-08-2016-0021
Uncontrolled keywords: Intellectual disability, forensic, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism spectrum condition, mental disorder, behavioural phenotypes
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Peter Langdon
Date Deposited: 06 Aug 2016 13:58 UTC
Last Modified: 01 Dec 2021 15:43 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/56761 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Langdon, Peter E..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Barnoux, Magali.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7921-8819
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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