According to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, approximately 1 in 36 children in the general population have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Maenner, 2023) . Persistent social communication and interaction challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviours, interests, or activities characterize ASD. These symptoms are typically recognized in early childhood and can impact daily functioning across multiple contexts (Yu et al., 2021) .

Youth with ASD are significantly more likely to enter the criminal justice system compared to their neurotypical peers (Volkmar et al., 2021). This fact underscores the urgent need for tailored interventions and support systems at the intersection of neurodevelopmental conditions and juvenile delinquency. Research indicates that young people with ASD may exhibit more aggression and face more formative social problems due to communication difficulties (Lange et al., 2018). Additionally, comorbid disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may increase the tendency to offend (Rutten et al., 2017), and peer pressure during teenage years can also be a significant factor (Yuet & Sehu, 2023).

Despite advances in understanding ASD, the specific challenges juveniles with ASD face within the criminal justice system remain understudied. Addressing these individuals' needs requires filling a research gap to develop effective interventions and support mechanisms. Creating an inclusive and effective support system necessitates a thorough understanding of how ASD affects behaviour and decision-making. A critical factor influencing the experiences of autistic individuals in the criminal justice system (CJS) is the lack of awareness and understanding of ASD among law enforcement and judicial personnel. Many autistic individuals face communication and social interaction challenges, which can be misinterpreted as non-compliance or a lack of remorse during legal proceedings.

The experiences of autistic individuals within the CJS are shaped by systemic misunderstandings of autism, variability in treatment, and the presence of co-occurring mental health issues. As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, the CJS must implement reforms that enhance understanding and support for autistic individuals, ensuring their rights and needs are adequately addressed throughout the legal process (Chester et al., 2022; Cooper et al., 2022).

The current review expands the literature on juvenile offenders with ASD. First, the review examines the main characteristics of the existing literature. Next, we explore what researchers find in the studies reviewed about delinquency among juveniles with ASD. We examine the specificities of the types of crimes committed by juveniles with ASD, the precautions that can be taken to prevent delinquency among juveniles with ASD, and the opportunities that should be considered in the treatment and therapy of juveniles with ASD. This systematic review aims to answer the following questions: What is the relationship between ASD and juvenile delinquency? Are there any factors contributing to delinquent behavior in juveniles with autism spectrum disorders? What are the effects of current interventions on mitigating these behaviours? What education can do? To facilitate the development of evidence-based strategies and interventions for juvenile offenders with ASD, this review addresses these questions, aimed at informing policymakers, educators, and practitioners.

The literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The study was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42024572975). The inclusion criteria for this review were as follows: Reported original, empirical research published in a peer-reviewed journal, examined the relationship between ASD and juvenile offenders, published in the English language, in the disciplines of law, education, or psychology. The study did not examine young adult offenders or non-empirical studies. Only peer-reviewed journal articles were included. Searches were performed on July 1, 2024, using the EBSCO Discovery Service Search Engine, which includes 85 databases. The general keywords used were: - Juvenile delinquency OR juvenile offenders. - Autism OR ASD OR autism spectrum disorder OR Asperger's OR Asperger's syndrome OR autistic disorder OR Aspergers. One hundred sixty-nine records were identified from the databases. After double filtering, four records were excluded from the systematic search. The Rayyan tool integrated into Zotero was used to select studies. After removing duplicate studies, a multistage screening process was performed to choose studies that met the inclusion criteria: Stage 1: Screening of Titles and Abstracts: The first review author screened the titles and abstracts of all identified records. A second review author independently assessed all titles and abstracts. Unclear studies were taken forward to the full-text screening. Stage 2: Screening of Full Texts: Two reviewers independently screened all full texts. Additionally, the cited works of the articles were searched, adding 95 new results to the list. Stage 1 and Stage 2 were repeated for the newly added studies. Our systematic search found 14 records.

Research highlights the high prevalence of psychiatric problems among youth delinquents, though only a minority are adequately diagnosed and treated. ASD is common among juvenile offenders. It may be due to two factors. Youth with ASD and other disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of being arrested due to their social and communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Research indicates that juveniles with disabilities are more vulnerable to variables that lead to offending. They tend to enter the justice system at a younger age and often receive longer sentences compared to their neurotypical peers. Among these, young individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbances are most at risk of being convicted of crimes. ASD-related symptoms are frequently observed in children and youth who get arrested, and these signs often predict further offending behaviors, regardless of other externalizing disturbances. Police encounters with young people with ASD often occur by their early twenties, with arrests happening in nearly a quarter of these stops. Studies by Slaughter (Slaughter et al., 2019) and Geluk (Geluk et al., 2012) highlight the importance of prevention, mainly focusing on aggressive behavior and fighting as potential warning signs. Rava , Zhang, Cheely, and others emphasize the role of educational institutions in preventing juveniles from committing offenses by developing a range of skills and abilities, particularly in problem-solving, communication, and social interaction (Cheely et al., 2012; Rava et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2011). Bleil (2013) and Sutton (2013) advocate for prevention programs that focus on social skills and interpersonal relationships for children and youth with autism. Their findings align underscoring the effectiveness of proactive education about human sexual development in promoting healthy adolescent relationships (Bleil Walters et al., 2013; Sutton et al., 2013).

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