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Autism: Experts attack lack of Asbo procedure

1 min read
Children with autistic spectrum disorders are being issued with anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) because of a lack of contact between professionals, according to experts.

The National Association of Probation Officers has presented the Magistrates Association with a dossier detailing cases of children with neurological conditions who have been served with Asbos.

Rachel Lipscomb, chair of the Magistrates Association, said there was increasing concern that local authorities, who initially handle applications for Asbos in conjunction with police, are not contacting youth offending teams, who may have additional information about a child's medical history.

"In some cases children come to court to face an Asbo application and the youth offending team are not aware of the application," she said.

Mike McClelland, vice chair of the National Association of Probation Officers, said this could lead to the issuing of Asbos to young people whose conditions meant they were unable to comply. He added that it was "significant" that magistrates courts, instead of youth courts, often handle Asbo applications for young people if no criminal offence has been committed.

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