Purpose

Autism-specific characteristics have been associated with internet criminal activities. Internet and non-internet offenders differ on a series of demographic, psychological and offending variables. However, the clinical and criminal presentation of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in forensic secure care settings has been underexplored. This paper aims to explore the profiles of internet offenders with ASD admitted to a secure psychiatric unit.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides the results of a service evaluation of individuals with ASD. The demographic, clinical and criminal characteristics of a small sample of internet offenders with ASD admitted to secure care are described and discussed.

Findings

Internet offenders present in secure care with high rates of comorbid disorders, histories of violence and traumatic experiences, mood disorders and difficulties with relationships. Of the 24 internet offenders discussed, 18 of them committed an offence of a sexual nature involving children.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the potential risks for individuals with ASD in using the internet and the possible difficulties associated with detecting this because of rapid advancements in technology.

中文翻译：

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患有 ASD 的互联网罪犯的临床和犯罪档案

目的

自闭症特有的特征与互联网犯罪活动有关。互联网和非互联网犯罪者在一系列人口统计、心理和犯罪变量方面存在差异。然而，在法医安全护理环境中，自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 患者的临床和犯罪表现尚未得到充分探索。本文旨在探讨被安全精神病院接纳的 ASD 网络罪犯的概况。

设计/方法/方法

本研究提供了对 ASD 患者的服务评估结果。描述和讨论了一小部分被接受安全护理的 ASD 互联网罪犯的人口统计学、临床和犯罪特征。

发现

互联网犯罪者在安全护理中存在高共病率、暴力史和创伤经历、情绪障碍和人际关系困难。在所讨论的 24 名互联网罪犯中，有 18 名犯下了涉及儿童的性犯罪。

原创性/价值

本文重点介绍了 ASD 个人使用互联网的潜在风险，以及由于技术的快速进步而可能难以检测到的风险。