This webinar will explore Dr Alice Siberry’s findings from the Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre’s Translational Fellowship research project, conducted throughout 2024, investigating the relationship between neurodivergence, online radicalisation and Counter Terrorism practices.
Drawing on interviews with Counter Terrorism practitioners, the study examined perceptions of whether neurodivergent people are more vulnerable to exploitation by online algorithms promoting extremist content.
While no direct causal link was established, practitioners consistently framed neurodivergent people as more vulnerable to self-radicalisation via online algorithms. However, such framing often relied on medicalised or pathologised narratives of neurodivergence being related to extremism, often without acknowledging broader social and technological factors which may contribute to vulnerability.
This webinar will discuss the implications of these findings, including the critical need for specialist neurodiversity training across Counter Terrorism and other partner agencies including mental health and educational sectors. Those who attend will be invited to reflect on how we might reframe current approaches to support neurodivergent people more effectively and equip practitioners to engage with these cases in more nuanced, informed ways.
Join us for a vital conversation about neurodivergence, vulnerability and extremism on Wednesday 16 July.