Autism as a Predictor of Deviant Peer Association: Testing for Dual Systems Model Mediation Effects

Deviant peer association is a robust risk factor for offending, that is, any behavior that violates a criminal law. This can include behaviors like drug use, violence, and theft; among others. Autism is a neurodivergent condition characterized by both atypical cognitive development and challenges with social interaction and communication. Despite these impairments, there is a dearth of research focused on the relationship between autism and deviant peer association. Relatedly, there exists no research examining the role that dual systems model constructs (sensation-seeking and impulse control) as mediators of this relationship. This study sought to address these gaps in the literature by examining autism as a predictor of deviant peer association in childhood and whether either or both impulse control or sensation-seeking significantly mediate this relationship.

Waves 1, 3, and 4 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to examine these direct and indirect relationships of interest.

Results indicated that autism was associated with lower deviant peer association scores. Lower sensation-seeking scores among youth with autism significantly mediated this relationship, but impulse control did not.

Autism may be a protective factor against deviant peer association due to diminished sensation-seeking relative to neurotypical peers. Future research should take a developmental perspective on these relationships to examine whether they are consistent at later stages of the life-course.