The Home Office has announced a review into the treatment of individuals with autism referred to its Prevent deradicalisation programme, as data reveals a high number of neurodivergent minors appearing in counter-terrorism casework. The review aims to address gaps in support and improve outcomes for those vulnerable to radicalisation.
The move comes after a Financial Times investigation highlighted that an estimated 13% of police counter-terrorism casework involves individuals with autism, despite the condition affecting only 1% of the UK population. The findings raised significant concerns about how neurodivergent individuals are handled within Prevent.
Rising Concerns Over Autism and Radicalisation
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced new measures to strengthen Prevent, which seeks to identify individuals at risk of extremism and steer them away from violence. She emphasized the programme’s need to adapt to the growing influence of online extremist ideologies on young people.
The review will include input from the Homeland Security Analysis and Insight team, which conducted a 2021 internal analysis revealing that one-quarter of Prevent’s most serious “Channel” cases involved individuals with suspected autism diagnoses. This is the first time the Home Office has publicly acknowledged a potential link between autism and Prevent referrals.
Vulnerability of Neurodivergent Youth
Experts warn that while autistic individuals are statistically less likely to break the law than their neurotypical peers, they may be more vulnerable to grooming and radicalisation. The National Autistic Society has raised concerns that inadequate healthcare provision may lead to inappropriate referrals of autistic children to Prevent.
Jonathan Hall, the UK’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, called the review a step in the right direction: “A policy review is to be welcomed, but it must be practical and start with the experiences of these children and young people.”
Surge in Terror-Related Activity Among Minors
Recent data from MI5 shows that 13% of those under investigation by counter-terrorism teams are under 18—a threefold increase in the past three years. Arrests of minors for terrorism-related offences have risen from three in 2010 to 32 in 2024. Alarmingly, children aged 11 to 15 now account for 40% of all Prevent referrals.
These trends are raising international concern. A report by the Five Eyes security alliance (comprising the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) highlighted a growing risk of youth radicalisation and called for enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and academia to better understand vulnerability factors, including neurodiversity and mental health.
A Step Toward Reform
The Home Office review will focus on improving support for neurodivergent individuals referred to Prevent and ensuring policies are equipped to address their unique needs. The findings could lead to significant changes in how vulnerable youth are safeguarded from radicalisation and supported through tailored interventions.
As the UK grapples with rising rates of youth radicalisation, this review represents a critical step toward balancing national security with compassionate care for vulnerable individuals.
