Journal of Forensic Psychology

Abstract

Forensic psychology and the connection with autism spectrum disorders

Chryssa Kaltsoni*

Hippocrates in his work "Aphorisms" described melancholy as a "disease with mental and physical symptoms". Several studies over the years have shown that a person suffering from a mental disorder can exhibit mild or extreme forms of delinquent behavior. The forms of mental disorders vary and depending on the age of the individual and the person's family background history, it can either manifest in a minor form or have flare-ups in the future. For example, if in the past the individual has experienced an intense mental disorder in their behavior, either as a result of violence or from some other delinquent behavior such as robbery and/or substance abuse, drugs and alcohol, there is a high likelihood that they will manifest some form of disorder in the future. The family history of the person also plays an important role in the development of a mental disorder. Delinquent behavior and the development of criminal behavior are very strongly associated with various categories of autism syndromes, like Down's syndrome, Prader Willi syndrome, Lesch Nyhan syndrome, Rett syndrome, Fragile X syndrome. Asperger's syndrome, Raynaud's syndrome, Tourette's syndrome. Autistic disorder is a severe developmental disorder that is characterized by considerable difficulties in mutual social interactions and communication skills, as well as limited or repetitive patterns of interests and behaviors. Its clinical presentation ranges from milder to more severe forms. That is, if there is a family history of schizophrenia and violence, then the person is very likely to develop a mental disorder in the future. Certainly, the family and social environment plays an important role. Granted, DNA covers a wide range for the manifestation of a disorder, but external stimuli that a person receives are equally important. If there is violence in the family, such as verbal, sexual or physical aggression between the parents or correspondingly child abuse, then the rate of developing mental illness in the future increases. On the other hand, if the person grows up in a decent environment, with proper standards and appropriate education, there is a high probability that he or she will not develop some kind of delinquent behavior in the future.

Published Date: 2025-02-21; Received Date: 2024-03-14