Autism's cyber link

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Tue, 07 Feb 2012 7:21a.m.

The link between autism and cyber crime is being explored (file pic)

The link between autism and cyber crime is being explored (file pic)

Autism is a condition usually associated with obsessive behaviour and poor social skills, but now it is also being connected with computer hacking.

It's claimed to be the reason for a series of high-profile cyber crimes, including the hacking of the Pentagon's computer system.

Can autism really be used as a defence for online crime?

Watch the video for the full report from Channel Four’s Victoria McDonald

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Comments

07 Feb 2012 08:34a.m.

pondering wrote:

Autism does have a higher incidence of compulsive, impulsive ans repetitive behaviours ; combined with lack of pre sequential thinking that lends itself to criminal behaviour. Cyber crime would appear to an autistic person to be more victimless and to have less boundaries to stop them. It would have great scope for an autistic person to go way to far and do great harm with out perceiving the consequences. Even when confronted they still would not realise the enormity of their actions. This does not make them blameless.

07 Feb 2012 08:27a.m.

Gary wrote:

Autism is a disability and its effects are often beyond the control of the person concerned so yes, it can be a defence when the person concerned does not realise the consequences of what they may do. For a crime to be committed - there must be intent.

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