Practice Consolidation And Assessment

While neurodivergent people are not inherently at greater risk of extremism engagement, there has been increased attention to neurodivergence within preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) contexts. Within these cohorts, understanding how neurodivergence may contextualize individuals’ pathways into, and resilience against, extremism engagement, can help to inform assessment, support, and intervention. Drawing on focus groups with 38 international PCVE practitioners, this study highlights the importance of understanding neurodivergent characteristics, such as restricted interests, communication styles, and sensory differences, within broader biopsychosocial contexts, including both strengths and challenges. Practitioners emphasised the importance of tailored interventions, neurodivergence-informed practice, and systems-based support.

(From the journal abstract)

Salman, N., Al-Attar, Z., & McKenzie, G. (2026). Practitioner Perspectives on Counterterrorism and Neurodivergence. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice, 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2026.2703116

(Abstract from the Journal)

This systematic review examines the functional role of neurodivergence, specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in the context of violent extremism, radicalisation, and mass violence. While there is no evidence of a direct causal link in the general population, certain neurodivergent traits and experiences may contextualise vulnerability, resilience, and disengagement in unique ways within extremist populations. By synthesising fragmented knowledge across disciplines, this review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of neurodivergence in violent extremism contexts. This review identified 93 publications. Nine key themes emerged, including social and relationship difficulties, hyperfixation and restricted interests, cognitive styles, sensory issues, vivid ideation, emotional difficulties, and the presence of complex needs. These traits and experiences, especially when combined, may shape individual pathways to risk or resilience. These findings highlight considerations for practice and research with neurodivergent individuals within the extremism context. This review identifies significant gaps in the literature, particularly the scarcity of empirical studies and overreliance on open-source case reports. Key priorities for future research include conducting high-quality empirical studies, analysis of functional links based on detailed closed-source records, and the development of a more nuanced understanding of risk and protective factors in neurodivergent individuals involved in extremism.

Salman, N., & Al-Attar, Z. (2026). A systematic review of neurodivergence, vulnerability, and risk in the context of violent extremism. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 1–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2025.2606393