Do autism spectrum disorders (ASD) increase the risk of terrorism engagement? A literature review of the research evidence, theory and interpretation, and a discussion reframing the research-practice debate

Abstract

ABSTRACT A number of publications have recently suggested or claimed that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) do or may increase an individual’s risk of or vulnerability for terrorism engagement. In this paper, we aim to ascertain the extent and nature of this purported relationship between ASD and terrorism engagement as reported in peer-reviewed literature. We analyse the relevant literature by considering research designs and the importance of comparison groups in analytic studies for studying why outcomes occur. This review finds that the evidential and theoretical basis in research for the identified suggestions and claims is lacking. Existing research cannot definitively conclude, nor does it suggest, that individuals with ASD are any more vulnerable to, or any more at risk of, terrorism engagement than other individuals. The findings of this literature review pose questions that arise across the research-practice debate. We discuss and attempt to broaden the research-practice debate in relation to the ongoing ASD-terrorism debate by drawing upon critique from the field of science studies.