Zainab Al-Attar
Professor Zainab Al-Attar is a practicing and academic Forensic Psychologist specialising in terrorism and forensic mental health. She has over 24 years’ experience in forensic psychology. Prior to that, she worked in neuropsychology at the doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Zainab has worked in academia for over 26 years and in practice for 24 years. She has published widely in the field of terrorism and forensic mental health and is a reviewer for many peer-reviewed international journals in this field and is the author of the RAN Handbook of Extremism, Radicalisation and Mental Health which is published in three languages.
In addition to her forensic practice specialism in terrorism, she has extensive experience in autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental conditions, has delivered training on autism and neurodiversity to thousands of practitioners over the past two decades and has developed guidelines for forensic practitioners working with individuals with autism and ADHD, which have been employed internationally by forensic practitioners working across settings. Zainab has led and supervised several research projects on terrorism, neurodiversity and mental illness. She is also a member of the terrorism and extremism expert group of practicing psychologists in the British Psychological Society. Finally, Zainab works as a part-time consultant psychologist in an autism and psychiatric diagnostic service, in addition to her full time clinical practice in the field of terrorism.
CREST Outputs
Projects
Articles
Academic Publications
A systematic review of neurodivergence, vulnerability, and risk in the context of violent extremism
(Abstract from the Journal)
This systematic review examines the functional role of neurodivergence, specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in the context of violent extremism, radicalisation, and mass violence. While there is no evidence of a direct causal link in the general population, certain neurodivergent traits and experiences may contextualise vulnerability, resilience, and disengagement in unique ways within extremist populations. By synthesising fragmented knowledge across disciplines, this review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of neurodivergence in violent extremism contexts. This review identified 93 publications. Nine key themes emerged, including social and relationship difficulties, hyperfixation and restricted interests, cognitive styles, sensory issues, vivid ideation, emotional difficulties, and the presence of complex needs. These traits and experiences, especially when combined, may shape individual pathways to risk or resilience. These findings highlight considerations for practice and research with neurodivergent individuals within the extremism context. This review identifies significant gaps in the literature, particularly the scarcity of empirical studies and overreliance on open-source case reports. Key priorities for future research include conducting high-quality empirical studies, analysis of functional links based on detailed closed-source records, and the development of a more nuanced understanding of risk and protective factors in neurodivergent individuals involved in extremism.
Salman, N., & Al-Attar, Z. (2026). A systematic review of neurodivergence, vulnerability, and risk in the context of violent extremism. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 1–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2025.2606393
https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2025.2606393
Projects
Articles
Academic Publications
A systematic review of neurodivergence, vulnerability, and risk in the context of violent extremism
(Abstract from the Journal)
This systematic review examines the functional role of neurodivergence, specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in the context of violent extremism, radicalisation, and mass violence. While there is no evidence of a direct causal link in the general population, certain neurodivergent traits and experiences may contextualise vulnerability, resilience, and disengagement in unique ways within extremist populations. By synthesising fragmented knowledge across disciplines, this review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of neurodivergence in violent extremism contexts. This review identified 93 publications. Nine key themes emerged, including social and relationship difficulties, hyperfixation and restricted interests, cognitive styles, sensory issues, vivid ideation, emotional difficulties, and the presence of complex needs. These traits and experiences, especially when combined, may shape individual pathways to risk or resilience. These findings highlight considerations for practice and research with neurodivergent individuals within the extremism context. This review identifies significant gaps in the literature, particularly the scarcity of empirical studies and overreliance on open-source case reports. Key priorities for future research include conducting high-quality empirical studies, analysis of functional links based on detailed closed-source records, and the development of a more nuanced understanding of risk and protective factors in neurodivergent individuals involved in extremism.
Salman, N., & Al-Attar, Z. (2026). A systematic review of neurodivergence, vulnerability, and risk in the context of violent extremism. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 1–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2025.2606393