Autism Awareness and Crime

“Autism and Crime is a thought-provoking and essential read that illuminates the systemic barriers faced by autistic individuals in education, society, and the criminal justice system. With its blend of research, lived experiences, and actionable recommendations, it is a vital resource for anyone committed to equity, understanding, and reform.” Professor Amanda Kirby, Emeritus Professor at the University of South Wales, Honorary Professor at Cardiff University, and Visiting Professor at Trinity College, Dublin

“This book focuses on increasing our understanding of young autistic people. It also is driven by the critical recognition of the ways in which a subgroup of young autistic people may go from school to prison and outlines in an accessible way how this can be prevented through appropriate support, understanding and timely intervention.” Professor Clare Alley, Professor of Forensic Psychology at the University of Salford in England

“Dr Neil Alexander-Passe continues his important thematic exploration of neurodivergence and the Criminal Justice System through the lens of the ‘school to prison pipeline’. Never has the topic been more important.” Matthew Graham, Partner at Stone King LLP, UK and criminal justice specialist

“This valuable book highlights how autistic people are at increased risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. In most cases, this is for reasons related to their disability, and where they had no intention of breaking the law. Neil makes the powerful case that with greater support at school, autistic people can avoid this pipeline to prison altogether.” Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University, UK

Dr Neil Alexander-Passe is a school leader, a former SENDCO (Special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator) and Assistant Head for primary and secondary schools in London. He is an ‘Inclusion Expert’ at the Department of Education (UK), and the author of 15 books focused on dyslexia and neurodiversity from a lived-experience, trauma, after perspective and has published 12 peer-reviewed papers. He is on the academic boards of dyslexia charities in Australia, and on the editorial board of a dyslexia-based academic peer-reviewed journal in Singapore.