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“They’re the hardest group to treat, that changes the least”. Adapted sex offender treatment programmes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders : Clinician views and experiences
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Melvin, Clare L., Langdon, Peter E. and Murphy, Glynis H. (2020) “They’re the hardest group to treat, that changes the least”. Adapted sex offender treatment programmes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders : Clinician views and experiences. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 105 . 103721. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103721
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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103721
Abstract
Aims
Clinicians working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who display sexual offending behaviours may face challenges during treatment, as a result of the cognitive and behavioural profile associated with ASD. This research explored the views and experiences of those running adapted sex offender treatment groups with men with ASD.
Method
Semi-structured interviews with group facilitators (n = 12) focused on service user engagement and response to the core components of the treatment programme (e.g. increasing victim empathy, addressing cognitive distortions, etc.), and gathered the experiences of those working with men with ASD who display sexual offending behaviours.
Results
Grounded Theory was used to develop a model conceptualising the potential impact of ASD on treatment outcomes, and this emerged predominantly through clinician’s views of risk of re-offending. Benefits of attending a group included: the presence of other group members, a forum to develop pro-social roles and relationships, and increased opportunity for monitoring. Challenges regarding empathy, specifically emotional empathy, and shifts in cognitive distortions were felt particularly pertinent to those with ASD, as well as questions over internalisation of therapy.
Conclusion
Despite identification of a number of challenges, adapted sex offender treatment programmes were considered beneficial for men with ASD, especially in light of a dearth of evidenced-based alternatives.
| Item Type: | Journal Article | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare R Medicine > RC Internal medicine |
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| Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) | ||||||||
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Autism spectrum disorders, Sex offenders -- Psychological aspects, Offenders with mental disabilities, Autistic people -- Rehabilitation, People with mental disabilities -- Sexual behavior, Counseling, Criminal behavior, Prediction of | ||||||||
| Journal or Publication Title: | Research in Developmental Disabilities | ||||||||
| Publisher: | Pergamon | ||||||||
| ISSN: | 0891-4222 | ||||||||
| Official Date: | October 2020 | ||||||||
| Dates: |
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| Volume: | 105 | ||||||||
| Article Number: | 103721 | ||||||||
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103721 | ||||||||
| Status: | Peer Reviewed | ||||||||
| Publication Status: | Published | ||||||||
| Access rights to Published version: | Restricted or Subscription Access | ||||||||
| Related URLs: |
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