Experiences of autism in prison-based interventions to address sexual offending

Research suggests that sexual offending is one of the more common forms of offending behaviour committed by autistic individuals. Despite this, very little research has investigated approaches to rehabilitation for autistic individuals who have sexually offended. The small body of literature that does exist suggests that interventions to address sexual offending may not be sufficiently adapted for this group, but there is a need for further empirical research. The present study will (i) explore how prison-based interventions to address sexual offending are experienced by autistic individuals with sexual offense convictions and the staff who work with them, and (ii) identified the features of prison-based sexual offending interventions that may be challenging or beneficial for autistic individuals with sexual convictions, from the perspective of those involved in treatment. The presentation unpacks a multi-perspective phenomenologically-informed thematic analysis which identified three themes of ‘Feeling overwhelmed’, ‘Out of comfort zone’, and ‘(Dis)connection’. These themes highlight some of the key issues relating to the format and delivery of interventions, as well as the impact of the broader prison context on rehabilitation. Findings from this study have informed practical recommendations for how best to work with autistic individuals with sexual offence convictions in prison-based interventions. Presented as part of a symposium titled 'Rehabilitation and Reintegration for Men with Sexual Convictions: Compassion, Collaboration and Commitment'