A comparison of age, cognitive, hormonal, symptomatic and mood correlates of Aggression towards Others in boys with ASD

Bitsika, Vicki; Sharpley, Christopher F.; Sweeney, John A.; Andronicos, Nicholas M.; Agnew, Linda L.; Arnold, Wayne M.

doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2017.02.014

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Hyposensitivity to sensory inputs can also contribute to violence. Bitsika et al (2017) found a significant association between aggression towards others and a responding profile characterised by weak or dull responses to sensory stimulation in a sample of young boys aged 11–17 with autism. The authors proposed that their difficulty interpreting the sensory cues may be a source of frustration, which finally contributes to aggression.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Another factor that plays a role in violence and social difficulties in people with autism is the observed hyper- or hypo- sensitivity to a range of sensory stimuli, such as crowds, bright lights or noise and their difficulties with regulating their emotions in response to these (Bitsika et al , 2017; Bjørkly, 2009; Boka and Leibman, 2015; Lipsky, 2011; Lundqvist, 2015; Mazurek et al , 2013). Individuals with autism may display violent behaviours which aim at reducing the surrounding noise, i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A feasibility study to identify the presence of autism specific risk factors in secure services using an autism specific framework

Skelhorn,

Girardi,

Cooper-Evans

2023

JIDOB

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Purpose Some individuals with autism may engage in violent behaviour. Research into autism specific factors (ASFs) that may contribute to violence is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of use of an ASF framework which was developed to inform risk formulation and treatment needs. Design/methodology/approach Retrospective identification and evaluation of ASFs in offenders with autism (N = 13) at childhood, time of index offence and in current risk behaviours. The ASFs described in the framework were repetitive behaviours and circumscribed interests; poor social understanding and empathy; sensitivity to sensory stimulation; and disruption to rigid behavioural routines or difficulties coping with change. Findings There was evidence for all four ASFs being consistently present in childhood, contributing to violent behaviour at the index offence and current risk behaviours in at least one case. Poor social understanding and empathy was often present at both childhood and index offence in all cases. Of the seven cases with offence paralleling behaviour, five had at least one ASF present at each timepoint. Practical implications This proof-of-concept study provides initial support that ASFs play a role in offending behaviour of individuals with autism. Clinicians working in specialist and generic forensic services, with an in-depth knowledge of autism, could use the ASF framework to enhance risk assessments and facilitate more targeted treatment planning for offenders with autism in specialist and general forensic services. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to test the application of the ASF framework in an autistic offending population.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%