Supporting autistic people in secure hospitals and beyond

Around 50% of individuals residing in specialist learning disability forensic services in England and Wales are thought to be autistic. Among these are a small, but significant, group of people who require care in a hospital environment under the Mental Health Act (1983, as amended 2007) due to mental health problems and associated offending or offending-like behaviours. This chapter outlines some of the characteristics and features associated with this group along with the key factors for consideration in their care and treatment. Interventions, psychological therapies, and behavioural support approaches are discussed, along with some of the factors pertinent to discharge planning and community support provision for this complex and vulnerable group of people.