Stalking Behaviors in

Students with Autism

Spectrum Disorder
By: Donavon Barbarisi
A Tale of Two Doors
ASD and Stalking: An Overview

 What This Story Shows

 Stalking

 Autism Spectrum Disorder

 Intersectional Identities

 Prevention Strategies
Stalking: Policy and Crime

 Definition
 “A course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated (two or more
occasions) visual or physical proximity, nonconsensual communication, or verbal, written, or
implied threats, or a combination thereof, that would cause a reasonable person fear.”1

 Effects on the Victim2

 Anxiety
 Fear
 PTSD
 Depression
 Social Dysfunction

http://www.lhup.edu/students/campus_saf
ety/hope_center/stalking_information.html
Stalking at Universities

 Age Range of Highest Victimization Rate

 18-243

 Behavioral Immaturity

 Stalking Policies
Autism Spectrum Disorder

 Relevant Symptoms:4
 Impulsivity
 Trouble Understanding Feelings/Meanings
 Obsessive Interests

 Social and Romantic Functioning5

ASD and Stalking

 Perception of Behaviors6

 Learning from Role Models6

 Potential for Victimization

 Investigation
Intersectional Identities

 Gender Differences7
 Stalking Behaviors

 Age Differences8

 Additional Ability Disparities9

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/unfundamentalistparen
ting/2016/09/intersectionality-101-for-kids-resources/
Prevention Methods

 Anti-Stalking Handbook10

 Rule Governed Behavior11

 Social Skill Groups11

 Managing Obsessive Behaviors11

 Major Issue

 Other Methods Discussion

Questions?

Thank you!
Resources

1Tjaden, P. and Thoennes, N. (1998). Stalking in America: Findings From the National Violence
Against Women Survey. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institure of
Justice, NCJ 169592.U.S.
2,9Blaauw, E., Winkel, F., Arensman E., Sheridan, L., Freeve, A. (2002) The toll of stalking: The
relationship between features of stalking and psychopathology of victims," Journal of
Interpersonal Violence 17(1): 50-63.
3Hattersley-Gray, R. (2012) Stalking on campus: A silent epidemic. Campus Safety Magazine.
Retrieved from http://www.campussafetymagazine.com/safety/stopping-stalkers/
4Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (2015, February 26). Retrieved July 10, 2017, from
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html
5,8Stokes,M., Newton, N., & Kaur, A. (2007). Stalking, and social and romantic functioning among
adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal Of Autism & Developmental
Disorders, 37(10), 1969-1986.
6,11Post, M. m., Haymes, L., Storey, K., Loughrey, T., & Campbell, C. (2014). Understanding
stalking behaviors by individuals with autism spectrum disorders and recommended prevention
strategies for school settings. Journal Of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 44(11), 2698-2706.
7 Langhinrichsen-Rohling, J. j. (2012). Gender and stalking: Current intersections
and future directions. Sex Roles, 66(5-6), 418-426.
10 Romeo,F. F. (2001). A recommendation for a campus anti-stalking policy and
procedures handbook. College Student Journal, 35(4), 514-516.
Fisher, B.S. (2013). In J. John & Sloan III. (Eds.). Campus crime: Legal, social,
and policy perspectives (3rd Ed.). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishing,
LTD.
Shepherd, E., & Griffiths, A. (2013). Investigative interviewing: The conversation
management approach. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.