A multi-perspective qualitative study about working with autistic individuals in prison-based interventions to address sexual offending

Journal article


Vinter, L.P., Dillon, G., Winder, B. and Harper, C.A. 2023. A multi-perspective qualitative study about working with autistic individuals in prison-based interventions to address sexual offending. Sexual Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1177/10790632231216701
AuthorsVinter, L.P., Dillon, G., Winder, B. and Harper, C.A.
Abstract

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. In this paper we present an exploratory qualitative study that (i) explores 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) identifies and explores the features of prison-based sexual offending interventions that may be challenging or beneficial for autistic individuals, from the perspective of those involved in treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 autistic men serving prison sentences for sexual convictions, and 13 members of prison staff. A multi-perspective phenomenologically-informed thematic analysis identified three themes of ‘Feeling overwhelmed’, ‘Out of the comfort zone’, and ‘(Dis)connected to others’. 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.

KeywordsAutism; Sexual Offending; Interventions; Multi-perspective; Rehabilitation
Year2023
JournalSexual Abuse
PublisherSAGE Journals
ISSN1573-286X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/10790632231216701
Web address (URL)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10790632231216701
Accepted author manuscript
License
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Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online16 Nov 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted2023
Deposited17 Nov 2023
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