Speaker: Dr Alistair Morris, NHS Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Date: Wednesday 2 December 2026
Time: 10.00–11.00 (UK time)
Venue: Online
Hosted by: Pax Caledonia Network
Abstract
In this talk Dr Morris will cover what is currently known regarding the recent phenomenon of individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) being markedly over-represented in Prevent counter-terrorism strategy referrals. Starting with an overview of ASD, and why this phenomenon is occurring, the talk uses the Framework for Assessment of Risk and Protection in Offenders on the Autistic Spectrum (FARAS) to go through real-life cases to explain how specific aspects of ASD appeared to act to lead subjects towards lone-actor violence. The talk will also include some management strategies to support risk assessment and management in this population.
About the speaker
Dr Alistair Morris is an NHS Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, based at the Orchard Clinic, Medium Secure Unit, at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. His primary role is the assessment and management of mentally disordered offenders. However, following a role as NHS link clinician for Prevent in Fife, he noted the marked over-representation of mental disorder in Prevent subjects, and published a small study on the subject. This led on to a special interest in counter-terrorism and mental disorder. His work has included liaison with Police Scotland counter-terrorism officers, and the Crown Office, to provide structured risk assessments of mentally disordered lone-actor terrorist nominals.