Specialized interventions for individuals at risk of violent extremism: Autistic clients' experiences and perspectives

Knowledge on the experiences of autistic individuals at risk of violent extremism is emerging, but pathways towards radicalization are still unclear and even less is known about pathways towards desistance and the role of mental health practitioners in the process. Through interview and survey data, this study presents the perspectives of seven autistic clients enrolled in a specialized clinic for individuals at risk of violent extremism. Results highlight the subjective suffering of autistic participants and show that they use the proposed intervention to improve their wellbeing and their relational network. They feel that their use of the services is associated with a relative disengagement in their radical ideas. Mental health and violent extremism services are generally appreciated and perceived as useful when they are available and adapted but accessing them is difficult and non-adapted interventions may be harmful. It is therefore essential to include autistic clients in the therapeutic process and to deliver specialized training to clinicians to increase awareness of adapted tools, develop stronger therapeutic alliance , and create a non-judgemental space for autistic clients. • Autistic individuals at risk of violent extremism report grievances aggravated by poor societal response to neurodiversity. • Adapted interventions are difficult to access and practitioners lack autism-specific training. • When available and adapted, interventions are generally perceived as useful. • For this clientele, a strong therapeutic alliance is a key element of interventions.