Grace McKenzie
Grace McKenzie is a final year PhD Psychology researcher at Lancaster University.
Articles
Academic Publications
Practitioner Perspectives on Counterterrorism and Neurodivergence
While neurodivergent people are not inherently at greater risk of extremism engagement, there has been increased attention to neurodivergence within preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) contexts. Within these cohorts, understanding how neurodivergence may contextualize individuals’ pathways into, and resilience against, extremism engagement, can help to inform assessment, support, and intervention. Drawing on focus groups with 38 international PCVE practitioners, this study highlights the importance of understanding neurodivergent characteristics, such as restricted interests, communication styles, and sensory differences, within broader biopsychosocial contexts, including both strengths and challenges. Practitioners emphasised the importance of tailored interventions, neurodivergence-informed practice, and systems-based support.
(From the journal abstract)
Salman, N., Al-Attar, Z., & McKenzie, G. (2026). Practitioner Perspectives on Counterterrorism and Neurodivergence. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice, 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2026.2703116
https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2026.2703116
Articles
Academic Publications
Practitioner Perspectives on Counterterrorism and Neurodivergence
While neurodivergent people are not inherently at greater risk of extremism engagement, there has been increased attention to neurodivergence within preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) contexts. Within these cohorts, understanding how neurodivergence may contextualize individuals’ pathways into, and resilience against, extremism engagement, can help to inform assessment, support, and intervention. Drawing on focus groups with 38 international PCVE practitioners, this study highlights the importance of understanding neurodivergent characteristics, such as restricted interests, communication styles, and sensory differences, within broader biopsychosocial contexts, including both strengths and challenges. Practitioners emphasised the importance of tailored interventions, neurodivergence-informed practice, and systems-based support.
(From the journal abstract)
Salman, N., Al-Attar, Z., & McKenzie, G. (2026). Practitioner Perspectives on Counterterrorism and Neurodivergence. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice, 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2026.2703116