During my time working in children’s services, I have frequently encountered cases where the primary suspect was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Given the nature of my work, these allegations often involve the downloading and viewing of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). While I fully recognise that this behaviour is both illegal and deeply harmful to the victims, I strongly advocate for a re-evaluation of our current assessment and intervention approaches for individuals with ASD.

Our goal is not to excuse the behaviour but to better understand the underlying factors. This understanding will enable us to provide the necessary support and interventions to prevent future offences. Moreover, this approach can help offenders and their families effectively navigate and address these challenges.

At Family Matters, we aim to safeguard children and work collaboratively with families and those who have harmed them to ensure their safety. We believe that working together with honesty, support, and a shared commitment can create a safer and healthier future for all.