Smith, Debra ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4789-3489, Salman, Nadine, Al-Attar, Zainab, Pyszora, Natalie and Iqbal, Muhammad ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8002-0551 (2023) Neurodivergence and Violent Extremism: Case Studies: Full Report. Project Report. The Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST), London, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Although there is no direct link between autism and violent extremism in the general population, some autistic individuals become radicalised and engage in extremist activities. Within these individuals, specific symptoms and features of autism may contextualise vulnerability as well as resilience, disengagement, and risk management in ways that differ from neurotypical populations.Through analysing a novel dataset of international cases of individuals with autism and extremism concerns, this research expands the existing evidence base. Overall, the findings suggest that the FARAS provides an appropriate conceptual framework to analyse the functional links, behaviours, and motivations that may be present amongst autistic individuals in extremism contexts. In particular, the findings highlight how individuals’ experiences of different facets of autism, within their wider circumstances, can contextualise pull or push factors towards extremist engagement. These findings provide specific contextual considerations for risk assessment and disengagement, as well as evidence based practice and guidance for practitioners working with autistic individuals with extremism concerns.

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