Clare Melvin
University of Kent, UK
Title: Adapted sex offender treatment programmes for men with autism spectrum conditions: service user and clinician views
Biography
Biography: Clare Melvin
Abstract
Aims: There is some evidence to suggest poorer treatment outcomes for offenders with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). The cognitive profile associated with ASC, including difficulties with social interaction and communication, deficits in theory of mind and empathy, inflexible thinking styles and special interests, may present barriers to treatment for sexual offending and create challenges working with offenders with ASC. This study investigated the use of adapted sex offender treatment programmes (SOTPs) for individuals with ASC.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with group facilitators (n=12) and male services users with ASC (n=13). Interviews with the men explored their experiences of attending a group and views of sexual risk since treatment. Clinician interviews focused on engagement and response to core treatment components e.g. victim empathy, cognitive distortions, etc., and any differences to non-autistic offenders.
Results: Grounded Theory was used to conceptualise treatment outcomes and future sexual risk. For service users, this was framed by their understanding of the group’s purpose, perceptions of their behaviour, and beliefs about change following treatment. For the clinicians, clear benefits were identified, including: presence of other group members, a forum to develop pro-social roles/relationships, and increased opportunity for monitoring. Challenges regarding empathy, specifically emotional empathy, and shifts in cognitive distortions were felt to be particularly pertinent to those with ASC, as well as questions over internalisation of therapy.
Conclusion: Despite identification of a number of challenges, adapted SOTPs were considered beneficial by both men with ASC and clinicians, especially in light of a dearth of evidenced-based alternatives.