University News Last updated 15 June 2011
A Birmingham City University academic is calling for more awareness and training for staff in the criminal justice system to deal with those with Asperger’s syndrome.
Laura Caulfield, a senior lecturer in Psychology at the School of Social Sciences, along with former Birmingham City University student Ann Browning, undertook a review of research evidence relating to the prevalence and treatment of people with Asperger’s Syndrome in the criminal justice system (CJS). They argue that although existing evidence suggests that people with Asperger’s Syndrome may be over-represented in the CJS, those working within the CJS are unknowledgeable regarding Asperger’s and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
The authors also draw the following conclusions:
- Poor understanding of Asperger’s by professionals in the CJS makes it very difficult for Asperger’s sufferers to understand and navigate CJS processes. As such, they can become agitated and confused and this can worsen their case.
- Having a knowledgeable barrister or appropriate adult present in court can be one good way of avoiding the above problems.
- Staff and volunteers in the CJS should have some level of awareness training or at least access to appropriately trained colleagues, in order to deal more appropriately with this group (in particular guidance developed by the National Autistic Society in 2008).
This article forms part of a wider programme of research by the authors into the experience of individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome. Interviews undertaken with Asperger’s individuals who have been through the CJS highlight that historically no real support or understanding has existed within the CJS for these individuals, and that this appears to continue to be the case.
Laura said: “The vast majority of criminal justice staff have no understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome and its associated challenging behaviours. The lack of ability to deal with such vulnerable individuals makes arrest and court appearances an unnecessarily traumatic, confusing, and frightening time.
“We strongly believe that police officers, and other criminal justice professionals, should be made aware of the communication issues and fear triggers that may make those with Asperger’s Syndrome challenging to deal with on arrest and in court. This would benefit everyone concerned, but would particularly help these vulnerable individuals understand what is happening to them. While training for every individual working in the CJS would be impractical, sufficient numbers of appropriately trained staff should be in place to improve the situation.”
With support of Autism West Midlands, the report has now been sent to Baroness Harris of Richmond, who it is anticipated will propose that Statutory Guidance be applied to the CJS as it has been to the Local Authorities and NHS under the Autism Act 2009.
The School of Social Sciences at Birmingham City University was one of the first in the country to offer a criminal investigation degree and undertakes world-leading research. It has an excellent network of contacts with criminal rehabilitation charities, community safety partnerships, police forces and probation services and is actively engaged with Midlands Regional Police Forces, the NPIA, Government Office of the West Midlands and other criminal justice agencies.
Birmingham City University is running a major awareness campaign in the Midlands to demonstrate how it is upgrading the future of individuals and companies. Find out more at www.bcu.ac.uk