ERIC Number: EJ1187334
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Sep
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
Higher Autistic Traits among Criminals, but No Link to Psychopathy: Findings from a High-Security Prison in Portugal
Loureiro, Diana; Machado, Ana; Silva, Tânia; Veigas, Tânia; Ramalheira, Carlos; Cerejeira, Joaquim
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v48 n9 p3010-3020 Sep 2018
The relationship between autism, criminality and psychopathy has gained increased attention in recent years, although research has focused on autism spectrum disorders, and not autistic traits. We measured autistic traits (with the Autism Spectrum Quotient) in a sample of 101 inmates from a high-security prison and compared them to a control group, using a logistic regression model that included age, education, psychopathology, psychopathy and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder as covariates. Prisoners had more autistic traits (OR 1.13, p = 0.002) due to higher scores in the communication (OR 1.23) and imagination (OR 1.30) domains. No correlations were found between autistic and psychopathic traits. Our study points to the presence of autistic traits as being independent risk factors for imprisonment, although not associated with psychopathy.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Institutionalized Persons, Correctional Institutions, Control Groups, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Psychopathology, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Scores, Imagination, Communication Skills, Correlation, Risk
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A