Perceptions and Experiences of the Appropriate Adult in Association with Autistic Self-Advocacy within the Scottish Criminal Justice System: Comparing the Perspectives of Autistic Adults, Investigating Officers and Appropriate Adults
Abstract
Police Scotland’s Standard Operating Procedure (2019) states that when adults with mental
disorders (including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder) take part in investigative
interviews, communication support in the form of appropriate adults must be provided.
According to current policy, the decision whether an appropriate adult is required belongs to
the investigating officer even if the interviewee has confirmed capacity. Neurodiversity and
self-advocacy movements, particularly in association with ASD, aim to review and implement
the views of the autistic community in policies that directly affect them, shifting the socially
constructed perception of ASD from deficit to difference.
In light of the proposal to make appropriate adult services statutory in Scotland, this study will
use online questionnaires to explore the views of autistic adults, investigating officers and
appropriate adults, regarding the support of appropriate adults in investigative interviews with
autistic individuals. Emphasizing a procedural justice theory framework for police handling of
engagements involving people with a mental health disorder, the study will consider the
participants views on: the necessity of appropriate adults, who should undertake this role, who
should make the decision for appropriate adults to be present, terminology associated with
appropriate and vulnerable adults and finally, will review all participant’s understanding of
ASD.
Little research has focussed on the opinions of autistic adults within the criminal justice system
and so the results will be key in establishing their overlooked viewpoints. This proposal aims
to facilitate the work of the Scottish Strategy for Autism (2011) which envisages choice and
independence for the autistic community and collaborate to raise acceptance and understanding
of ASD not just in the Scottish criminal justice system but throughout society.