Autism spectrum disorder, radicalization, and violence: a forensic perspective

Some research suggests a higher prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among terrorist offenders in comparison to the general population. However, the literature does not achieve consistency in terms of an evidential and theoretical basis that individuals with ASD are especially susceptible to terrorism engagement. Through a case-series analysis, this paper discusses the interplay between ASD and radicalization. We examine how core ASD traits may increase one's susceptibility to adopting radical ideology, and how internet exposure may contribute to the radicalization process. We comment on how vulnerability may lead to risk, distinguishing between these concepts, and argue that while individuals with ASD may not experience an increased risk of terrorism engagement, traits associated with ASD may increase one's vulnerability to becoming radicalized when exposed to extremist material online. In considering psychiatric and legal issues, we then make recommendations by examining two notorious Canadian cases. Both individuals were reported to have ASD and received life sentences as a result of committing mass murder, with one individual targeting women, and the other targeting the Muslim population.