Experts warn neurodivergent teens are easy prey for evil extremists

Teens with mental health issues and disorders like autism are being targeted by online extremists, with parents urging parents to be vigilant about their kids’ online behaviour.

Teens with mental health issues and disorders like autism are increasingly falling victim to online extremists, who are exploiting youths desperate to make connections and fit in, experts say.

Mental health challenges, neurodiversity factors like autism, and behavioural issues have emerged as repeated traits in a recent spate of terror incidents in NSW, with police looking to experts for ways to support vulnerable children.

In the past fortnight, two teens aged 14 and 19 with alleged internet obsessions have been arrested in NSW after allegedly planning to, or carrying out, extremist-fuelled attacks.

Police alleged both were influenced by the Christchurch massacre, caught in mixed ideologies and understood to be neurodivergent.

Without commenting on the specific cases currently before the courts, Dr Vicki Gibbs, Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice’s head of research, said radicalisation of teens with autism often came about due to their desire for friendships and connections.

The teen charged over the stabbing of a Bishop at Wakeley in April allegedly had 7500 violent videos downloaded and history of poor mental health.

“Social isolation and the desire for social connection can make autistic teens particularly vulnerable to identification with groups that might provide them a sense of belonging,” she said.

“Especially if their tendency to have intense focus and interests means that they gain specialist knowledge on a particular subject that is then admired and praised by members of these online groups.”

Police and Counter Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley. Picture: Nikki Short

Counter-terrorism officers have seen an “incredibly concerning” uptick in young men being radicalised online — many of whom have mental health challenges or are on the autism spectrum.

Since July 2021, the Australian Federal Police, alongside its Joint Counter Terrorism Team partners, has commenced investigations and conducted operational activity against a total of 27 kids under 18, the youngest just 12 years old.

They are now urging parents to be vigilant of their kids’ online behaviour — particularly if they are distancing themselves from their usual friends and family members, and displaying extreme reactions to news or politics.

“Social media can be toxic, it can be a sewer poisoning our kids’ minds,” NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.

The 14-year-old accused of stabbing a man at Sydney University last week was allegedly radicalised online and is undergoing a mental health assessment.

“The Joint Counter Terrorism Team has seen a particular uptick in young males being radicalised online — it’s not just happening in NSW or Australia, it’s global — and it’s incredibly concerning.

“If we see a change in behaviour — parents, educators, coaches, anyone in these young people’s lives — we want you to come forward.

“We can’t help if we don’t know.”

Researchers from Victoria University said Australia was seeing a rise in the number of referrals to extremist violence prevention programs that involved people with neurodiversity, such as autism.

In a submission to a federal inquiry exploring extremism, the team of researchers said that extremist forums or chat online may have a certain “pull” for autistic individuals because of their preference for routine and order, obsession with patterns and theories, and an hyperfocus on details and facts at the expense of the bigger picture.

However, they stressed research was limited and there was no direct link between autism and violent extremism.

Jordan Patten has been charged over alleged threats made to a Labor MP at Newcastle in June. His family said he had mental health problems.

Mum Michelle Ridsdale knows first-hand how dangerous the internet can be for teens with autism, after her son was attacked and tricked in online games and forums.

“He was bullied relentlessly and went online to make friends,” she said.

“He was tricked and met with people who weren’t who they claimed to be, which would trigger him.

“He ended up in hospital because of the toxicity of the internet.”

Seeing her son in distress prompted her to create the Kaboose app, a safe space for neurodivergent teens to connect without predatory or dangerous influences.

The AFP has been working with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to look at ways to best support kids.

“Aspect has been engaged by the AFP to provide expertise around autism so that this knowledge can be taken into account across various aspects of their work with radicalised youth and those at risk of radicalisation,” Dr Gibbs said.

National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollands. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said children who were being groomed by extremists online were suffering with the same issues as many kids who committed crimes — often spurred on by a feeling of being left out, or not fitting in.

“They typically have complex problems, like learning difficulties, neurodiversity, mental health issues,” she said.

“They’re often struggling at school, they might be suspended or expelled from school, and they often feel like they don’t belong.

“We know if kids aren’t at school, they’ll end up finding that sense of belonging through some kind of negative behaviour.

“It’s not like they go looking to be radicalised – they are being targeted.”

The AFP said that, where possible, they supported therapeutic pathways to prevent and disrupt young people at risk of radicalisation.

“Entering them into the criminal justice system is often not in their best interest,” a spokesman said.

“However, where these approaches may not suffice, or an immediate threat is identified, a law enforcement response will be applied.”

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Originally published as Experts warn neurodivergent teens are easy prey for evil extremists