Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 1 of 1
ASD and offending: reflections of practice in from a New Zealand perspective
- Author:
- BATHGATE David
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 8(2), 2017,
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Background: There is growing awareness in New Zealand of the impact that Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has on individuals and their families and the ability to engage in health services. Although it is a relatively rare condition, approximately one percent of the population will have ASD, directly affecting approximately 40,000 individuals in New Zealand. Purpose: The purpose this paper is to provide some reflections and questions on what can be learnt from a New Zealand perspective. This is based on an overview of the limited literature around ASD and offending and the authors' experience in the UK working in a medium secure unit. Design/methodology/approach: Through a past site visit as part of the annual international conference on the Care and Treatment of Offenders with an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability in the UK the author became aware of the medium secure forensic unit for male patients with ASD at Roseberry Park Hospital (UK’s Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust). During advanced training in forensic psychiatry with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists the author was able to apply and be accepted for a 4-month sabbatical training position at this hospital Findings: Outlined is background information about ASD and review findings from the limited literature on ASD and offending. Also outlined is the authors learning as a trainee working in medium secure unit for people with ASD who have offended, and finally how this experience may help in the development of services in New Zealand, given that at this stage such services are under-developed Originality/value: To able to share the valuable experience and learning opportunity the author was able to have, as well as raise the awareness of ASD generally, and specifically the need for specialist services for the small number of people with ASD who come into contact with justice services