Media response: Gary McKinnon extradition

3 September 2008

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is involved in the ongoing case of Gary McKinnon, a man with Asperger syndrome who is appealing against extradition to the US where he will face charges of hacking into US defence computer systems.

We have written to the Home Secretary to urge her to take Mr McKinnon's Asperger syndrome into account and we are providing information on the condition to his legal team. At this stage, we are unable to comment further on the case.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism - a serious, lifelong and disabling condition which effects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. As autism is a spectrum condition, it affects each person in a different way. 

Generally speaking, people with autism in the criminal justice system can be particularly vulnerable as the nature of their difficulties may not be recognised or may be misunderstood. It is therefore vital that legal experts are familiar with autism and its complexities.

The NAS has produced a range of information materials for criminal justice professionals to help them understand and respond to the needs of people with autism, including Asperger syndrome. For more information visit www.autism.org.uk/cjp 

Related resources

• Criminal justice

• Position statement: Autism and Criminal Justice (DOC)
  Official NAS position statement on the issue of crime and autism.