Key facts
- Nearly one in five people referred to the UK's Prevent counter-extremism program had autism recorded.
- 1,833 out of 9,957 referrals between October 2024 and September 2025 had autism recorded.
- 36 percent of all referrals had at least one mental health or neurodiversity condition recorded.
- The total number of referrals to Prevent reached its highest annual total since 2015.
- Referrals for individuals related to far-right extremism increased by 20 percent.
- Asian and Black individuals continue to be overrepresented in Prevent referrals compared to their population share.
New figures from the Home Office reveal that nearly one in five individuals referred to the UK's Prevent counter-extremism program had autism recorded, with 1,833 out of 9,957 referrals showing the condition. This data, covering October 2024 to September 2025, marks the highest annual total of referrals since 2015 and a 39 percent increase from the previous year.
Overall, 36 percent of all referrals had at least one mental health or neurodiversity condition recorded, with autism being the most common. Jacob Smith, policy and advocacy officer at Rights and Security International, expressed concern over the increase, stating that autistic people are overrepresented and that the program has historically faced accusations of bias and discrimination.
The figures also indicated a 20 percent rise in referrals related to far-right extremism. Asian and Black individuals remain overrepresented in referrals, while those categorised under Islamist extremism have declined. Smith argued that the program's reliance on subjective judgment and "gut instincts" contributes to the overrepresentation of certain groups.
Autism prevalence increased as cases progressed through the Prevent process, reaching 23 percent at the Channel panel stage and 24 percent in the de-radicalisation program. The Home Office emphasized that these figures describe associations and not causal relationships, stating that neurodiversity does not increase or decrease the likelihood of progressing through the process.
However, Smith warned that the program risks reinforcing stereotypes about autistic people, potentially criminalizing traits associated with the diagnosis. Information from Prevent referrals, even those that do not lead to further action, is shared with various policing and public authorities, posing a risk of long-term consequences for individuals.