Autism as a Predictor of Deviant Peer Association: Testing for Dual Systems Model Mediation Effects
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: Deviant peer association is a robust risk factor for offending, that is, any behavior that violates a criminal law. This can include behaviors like drug use, violence, and theft; among others. Autism is a neurodivergent condition characterized by both atypical cognitive development and challenges with social interaction and communication. Despite these impairments, there is a dearth of research focused on the relationship between autism and deviant peer association. Relatedly, there exists no research examining the role that dual systems model constructs (sensation-seeking and impulse control) as mediators of this relationship. This study sought to address these gaps in the literature by examining autism as a predictor of deviant peer association in childhood and whether either or both impulse control or sensation-seeking significantly mediate this relationship. MATERIALS: Waves 1, 3, and 4 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to examine these direct and indirect relationships of interest. RESULTS: Results indicated that autism was associated with lower deviant peer association scores. Lower sensation-seeking scores among youth with autism significantly mediated this relationship, but impulse control did not. CONCLUSION: Autism may be a protective factor against deviant peer association due to diminished sensation-seeking relative to neurotypical peers. Future research should take a developmental perspective on these relationships to examine whether they are consistent at later stages of the life-course.
Author: Thomas Wojciechowski
Institution: Michigan State University
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W7128912983