Original Article
Why Do Some People with Intellectual Disability Engage in Offending Behaviour and What Can We Do About It? Editorial
William R. Lindsay,
Richard P. Hastings, Nigel Beail,
Corresponding Author
William R. Lindsay
University of Abertay, Dundee, UK
Bangor University, Wales, UK
Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
Correspondence
Any correspondence should be directed to Professor Bill Lindsay, 119 Americanmuir Rd, Dundee DD3 9AG, UK (e-mail: [email protected]).
Search for more papers by this authorNigel Beail
Southwest Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust & Sheffield University, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorWilliam R. Lindsay,
Richard P. Hastings, Nigel Beail,
Corresponding Author
William R. Lindsay
University of Abertay, Dundee, UK
Bangor University, Wales, UK
Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
Correspondence
Any correspondence should be directed to Professor Bill Lindsay, 119 Americanmuir Rd, Dundee DD3 9AG, UK (e-mail: [email protected]).
Search for more papers by this authorNigel Beail
Southwest Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust & Sheffield University, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Background
The field of forensic intellectual disabilities has been developing rapidly over the last 15 years. Much of the work has been built on research in mainstream criminality but more recently studies have emerged that reveal issues specific to offenders with intellectual disability.
Method
Research on pathways into offending is reviewed with reference to its relevance to the field of intellectual disability. We also summarize some findings on pathways into and through services for offenders with intellectual disability.
Findings
Studies reveal that developmental adversity is an important risk variable. Previous and recent aggression are potent risk factors. New evidence suggests that immediate, proximal risk factors may be more important in this client group. The studies in this issue add to the knowledge on pathways into offending, important areas for assessment and effective treatments as well as advancing knowledge in the academic literature on general criminality.
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