Talk: How certain features of autism spectrum disorder can provide the context of vulnerability to engaging in online and offline sexual offending
There is a real need for the identification and understanding of how the innate vulnerabilities which are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can provide the context of vulnerability to engaging in offline and online sexual offending to be recognised in criminal law. In this presentation we will explore how certain features of ASD can provide the context of vulnerability to engaging in sexual offending including hands on related sexual offending as well as the viewing of indecent child imagery (IIOC). It will also include a number of case studies and explore some of the features of ASD in the individuals which contributed or played a role in their sexual offending.
Professor Clare Allely is a Reader in Forensic Psychology at the University of Salford in Manchester, England and is an affiliate member of the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre at Gothenburg University, Sweden. Clare is also an Honorary Research Fellow in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences affiliated to the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, as well as an Associate of the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice (CYCJ) at the University of Strathclyde. Clare acts as an expert witness in criminal cases and HCPC fitness to practice cases and contributes to the evidence base used in the courts on psychology and legal issues through her published work.
Clare’s primary area of research expertise includes investigating how autism symptomology can contribute to different types of offending behaviour (e.g., sexual offending; child pornography or crimes related to indecent child images; homicide; fire-setting or arson; stalking; bestiality; violent offending; terroristic activities) and autism across the whole of the criminal justice system (police, court, prison, probation and secure psychiatric care). One of the primary aims of her research is to develop and share best practice with both academics and practitioners and provide evidence-based decision making to influence future policy as well as investigate how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomology can contribute to different types of offending behaviour such as violent and/or sexual offending, child pornography, and arson.
APE Research Network 