Summary
Highlights
Alexander Westphal introduces a discussion on pathways to problematic sexual behaviors and autism. He highlights how social cognition deficits in autism can lead to legally problematic behavior. He also talks about the social difficulties often become apparent during puberty.
Westphal explains theory of mind and its breakdown. He explains counterfeit deviance, which is important when people with autism behave in a way, which appears to be sexually deviant but is driven by something else entirely.
The discussion shifts to internet-based crimes, particularly viewing child abuse images. Gateway phenomena such as neoteny and the mainstream sexualization of minors are explored as contributing factors.
Mark Mahoney talks about child pornography laws and cases involving individuals with autism. He highlights differences in sentencing across countries. In the US, the sentence is over 10 years for those who receive child pornography and around 5 years for the people who are only charged with possession.
Laurie Sperry talks about a person who was sitting a child on his lap because she couldn't reach the keys and said that the man with ASD lacked the social dexterity to groom the vet as a predator without autism would do. She stated that process models are inadequate to explain for people with autism.
Rachel Lofton says that victimization is the primary risk relating to autism and discusses deficits in understanding the emotional responses of others which leads to significant difficulty. Finally, Lofton says that sexual issues are not going to be a thing at all for the vast vast vast majority of autistic people.