Autism Spectrum Disorders and stalking

Purpose: Despite an increasing number of studies which examine sexual offending behaviour in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) individuals (e.g. Allen et al., 2008; de la Cuesta, 2010; King & Murphy, 2014; Pearce & Berney, 2016), there has been a lack of research investigating stalking and ASD. The present study will carry out a scoping review following PRISMA guidelines in order to identify studies which have been carried out exploring stalking behaviour in individuals with threshold or subthreshold ASD. Methodology: A total of five bibliographic databases were searched to identify studies which explored ASD in relation to stalking and harassment (including case studies as well as empirical studies). Findings: A total of five relevant articles were identified in the present review. One article contained a case study (Dell’Osso et al., 2015). In a short report, Stokes and Newton (2004) discussed stalking and ASD. One paper explored ASD and stalking behaviour in employment settings and specific interventions that could be employed in such environments (Post et al., 2014b). Another paper focused on stalking behaviour in those with ASD in school settings (Post et al., 2014a). The final paper examined stalking and social and romantic functioning in individuals with ASD (Stokes et al., 2007). This final paper contained the only empirical study identified in this search. Practical implications: The studies identified in this review clearly highlight the need for intensive socio-sexual interventions to improve social interaction skills and romantic functioning in individuals with ASD. There is also a need for schools to provide sex education programs for individuals with ASD. Originality/value: This is the first review looking at ASD and stalking