Firesetting and arson in individuals with autism spectrum disorder : a systematic PRISMA review

Purpose: The present review aims to identify studies which have investigated arson or firesetting in individuals with ASD. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic PRISMA review was conducted. Findings: The present review highlighted the relatively little research that has been conducted to date exploring firesetting or arson in individuals with ASD. Eleven papers were identified in the present review study. Six were cases studies and five were empirical studies. The case studies identified in the review highlighted some of the ASD symptomology which may contribute to this type of criminal behaviour. Also, the empirical studies indicate that there is a higher prevalence of individuals with ASD who engage in such criminal behaviours. Research limitations/implications: There is an urgent need to further empirical research in this area and for there to be an increased awareness and understanding of how ASD can contribute to arson and firesetting in both a legal and clinical context. Originality/value: This is the first review, to the author’s knowledge, to explore the literature on firesetting or arson in individuals with ASD