Adelaide: Some Neo-Nazi organizations in Australia are reportedly trying to recruit youth affected by autism. Meanwhile, some research indicates that some people with autism may be more attracted to content containing conspiracy theories, misinformation and extremist views online. However, experts say that autism alone cannot determine why a person would be attracted to extremist ideology or engage in violence.
The real question, according to the researchers, is what social and personal circumstances may make some people with autism more vulnerable to recruitment efforts by extremist groups. Among these, situations like social exclusion, loneliness, limited support and non-fulfillment of one's needs can be important.
Why is research challenging?
Research on the possible link between autism and online extremist content is emerging rapidly, but the evidence currently available is limited. A recent review of researchers found that there are not enough studies on this relationship whose conclusions are based on large-scale real data.
Additionally, there are ethical and legal hurdles in researching this topic. Extremist activities often occur covertly or outside the law, making them difficult to identify and study.
At present, detailed study of criminal cases helps in understanding this relationship. However, due to the limited number of such cases it is not possible to ascertain how common the pathways to extremism are. It cannot be considered appropriate to apply these findings to the entire population affected by autism.
Deep interest can become a part of sensitivity
Some people affected with autism have a very deep and long-lasting interest in a particular subject. This is called concentrated interest. Paying in-depth attention to a subject is not negative in itself. This may also create opportunities for education, employment, creative activities and social relations.
But according to researchers, trouble can arise when such intense interest turns to harmful topics like misinformation, conspiracy theories, extremist ideology or violence.
Seeing the same idea again and again can increase confidence
Some research suggests that people who hold more strongly to their established views may be less willing to consider counter arguments or other interpretations of an issue.
If extremist views become a topic of deep interest to a person and he continues to receive similar content, it may be difficult to distance himself from those views. Repeated exposure to similar content on online platforms can strengthen the hold of any one point of view.
Recruiters from extremist groups may try to take advantage of such a situation and expose the person to the same types of messages continuously.
Arrangement and clear answers can also be a reason for attraction
Some people with autism may prefer clear routines, consistency, and predictable environments. In contrast, the world's social and economic conditions are often complex and unpredictable.
Extremist ideologies can offer easy and straightforward answers to such complex problems. Some groups present themselves as an organized and disciplined community and set clear rules and ideologies for their members.
According to researchers, this structure can attract not only people affected with autism but also other people. However, this structure may be particularly attractive to some people who feel a greater need for certainty and order.
The real issue is not autism, but also social conditions
Experts emphasize that Most people with autism are not attracted to extremism. Therefore, considering only the symptoms associated with autism as the reason for risk does not give the correct picture.
Children and youth affected by autism often face social exclusion, loneliness and lack of support. Stereotypes and misconceptions about autism can also increase social distance.
Such circumstances may cause some people to feel that they are not accepted, that they are alone, or that they do not have the power to change their circumstances. Extremist groups can, on the contrary, give them a message of becoming part of a community where they can be made to feel accepted and regain their power.
Risk can be reduced with proper support
Some early evidence suggests that providing targeted and appropriate support to at-risk youth with autism may strengthen their social relationships and help them distance themselves from extremist views. However, more research is still needed in this area.
According to experts, if parents are concerned about their child's online activities or changing behavior, it is important to keep the lines of communication open. It may be helpful to maintain an atmosphere of trust and communication rather than mocking, insulting, or direct confrontation.
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