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. 2023 Jan-Apr;25(1):30-39.
doi: 10.18176/resp.00064.

Characterization of autism spectrum disorder inside prison

Marc Peraire  1 , Patricia Cantos  2 , María Sampedro-Vidal  3 , Lucía Bonet-Mora  1 , Francisco Arnau-Peiró  1
Affiliations

Characterization of autism spectrum disorder inside prison

Marc Peraire et al. Rev Esp Sanid Penit. 2023 Jan-Apr.

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Introduction: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intolerance of change, empathy deficits, misunders- tandings, and emotional dysregulation. Core symptoms can determine criminal behaviour and subsequent interactions with the penal system. A significant presence of such symptoms is detected in forensic settings. The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of autism within the prison context, summarizing and updating the knowledge in this field.

Material and method: Systematic review through databases on studies that analyze the socio-demographic, clinical, and judi- cial characteristics of prisoners diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Results: Autistic traits constitute an independent risk factor for incarceration. Those inmates with autism spectrum disorder frequently present a psychiatric comorbidity, especially substance use disorder, psychotic disorders, and other neuro-develop- mental disorders. They are associated with a greater probability of self-harming thoughts and disruptive behaviours, which are not predicted by the usual evaluation tools.

Discussion: Prisoners with autism spectrum disorder have a differential socio-demographic, clinical, and criminal profile. A specific approach that is different from the one provided for neurotypical prisoners should be offered to these inmates. In- frastructures should be adapted to reduce fragility, make the environment more flexible and specific methods for evaluation and treatment should be developed.

Introducción:: El autismo es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo caracterizado por intolerancia al cambio, déficit en empatía, falsas interpretaciones y desregulación emocional. La sintomatología nuclear determina la comisión de delitos y la posterior interacción con el sistema penal, detectándose una presencia significativa en entornos forenses. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar las características del autismo dentro del contexto penitenciario, resumiendo y actualizando el conocimiento en dicho ámbito.

Material y método:: Revisión sistemática a través de bases de datos sobre aquellos estudios que analizan las características so- ciodemográficas, clínicas y judiciales, en reclusos con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista.

Resultados:: Los rasgos autistas constituyen un factor de riesgo independiente para el encarcelamiento. Aquellos internos con trastorno del espectro autista presentan con mayor frecuencia una comorbilidad psiquiátrica, especialmente trastornos por uso de sustancias, trastornos psicóticos y otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Asocian mayor probabilidad de pensamientos auto- lesivos y conductas disruptivas, que no son prevenidas por las herramientas de evaluación de uso frecuente.

Discusión:: Los reclusos con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) presentan un perfil diferencial a nivel sociodemográfico, clínico y delictivo. Debe ofrecerse un abordaje específico para esos internos, diferente respecto al dispuesto para los internos neurotípicos. Hay que adaptar infraestructuras para reducir su fragilidad, flexibilizando el entorno y desarrollando métodos específicos para la evaluación y tratamiento.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: No conflicts of interest were declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Article selection process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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