In courtrooms across the country autism is being cited as a defense to a host of violent crimes.

In some cases defendants argue that the neurological disorder actually makes them “insane” at the time of the crime while in other instances defendants are just looking for leniency.

The claims remain rare and experts suggest it is unlikely that many courts will see autism as meeting the criteria for an insanity defense. Meanwhile doctors say there is no medical evidence linking autism and violence, though neurological differences can make people with autism impulsive.

The autism defense did not work for a Florida man recently convicted of murdering a young girl, but it remains on the table in several ongoing cases in other states, reports the Palm Beach Post. To read more click here.

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