The forensic implications of camouflaging: a study into victimisation and offending associated with autism and pathological demand avoidance

What is it about?

Autistic and PDA individuals describe using social camouflaging (strategies to meet the gaps in social and communication skills) to protect themselves from being victimised. Camouflaging can prevent specialist support being provided, increasing the chances of negative life experiences. It is possible that camouflaging could protect autistic and PDA individuals from negative outcomes such as being victimised or engaging in illegal behaviour, or it could increase the risk of negative outcomes. This research project found that more camouflaging was associated with more offending. Camouflaging was not associated with victimisation. The findings suggest camouflaging could be costly to autistic and PDA individuals.

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