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Asperger's disorder and criminal behavior: forensic-psychiatric considerations
Barbara G Haskins1, J Arturo Silva
1Department of Psychiatric Medicine, University of Virginia, VA, USA. bhaskinsmd@earthlink.net
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|October 13, 2006
Summary
Asperger's Disorder is often under-diagnosed in adults, leading to over-representation in forensic settings. Specific traits like Theory of Mind deficits can increase criminal behavior risk in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychiatry
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Asperger's Disorder is frequently under-diagnosed in adults due to limited clinical awareness of its presentation.
- Increased familiarity with Asperger's Disorder in forensic settings reveals a potential over-representation of affected individuals.
Observation:
- Specific characteristics of individuals with Asperger's Disorder may elevate their risk of engaging in criminal behavior.
- Deficits in Theory of Mind and intense, narrow interests, combined with poor social awareness, can contribute to criminal acts.
Findings:
- Comorbidities with forensic relevance are discussed.
- Case studies illustrate these issues, supported by a review of forensic literature.
- The biological underpinnings of empathy deficits in Asperger's Disorder are explored.
Implications:
- The findings raise questions about the criminal responsibility of individuals with Asperger's Disorder.
- Neuropsychiatric perspectives on empathy deficits have significant implications for assessing remorse in legal proceedings.
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