What Causes People with Autism to Sexually Offend?
Overview
Unlike for neurotypical individuals who commit sex crimes, there is currently no validated theory linking Autism and sexual offenses.
Summary
Research conducted on the sexual offenses committed by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to date suggests four possible motivations:
- The difficulty that ASD individuals have with social cognition
- ASD individuals lack an understanding and awareness of sexual issues
- ASD individuals may engage in compulsive thinking and have sexual frustration.
- Exploitation and abuse
Autism and Sexual Offenses
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Reference
SOURCE RESEARCH
Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders
Payne, K-L., Maras, K., & Brosnan, M.J. (2019). Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 24(2)
Published: 2019
Research type: Qualitative Study
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Forensic Services
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