ABSTRACT
There are a significant number of detained individuals with autism within forensic settings. This already marginalised group is further overlooked by a lack of representation in review processes and a limited understanding of risk behaviour, offending, and autism. What is also apparent is that most forensic settings are not autism informed and, in contrast, exacerbate several intrinsic difficulties associated with autism. This contributes to extended stays within secure services and, in many cases, high-risk behavioural responses to the environment. Further compounding this is the tendency to fall between services where identification of difficulties is only determined after a significant deterioration in presentation, heightened distress, and when they become a ‘management problem’. This chapter explores current perspectives on autism and the UK Mental Health Act 1983, current developments within specialist autism services in forensic settings with specific reference to the National LD autism pilot service, and identifies the areas of ongoing development.
