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The aim of this paper is to review the current literature on working with young people with intellectual disabilities who commit arson.

A review of assessment methods and interventions involving young people with intellectual disabilities who start fires was completed. It explores the trends across the population of firesetters as a whole and also compares how treatment implications may differ for young people with and without an intellectual disability.

The paper outlines the core risk factors to be investigated within an assessment of a young firesetter with intellectual disabilities. In terms of treatment, the best current approach appears to be a combination of education and cognitive behavioural approaches including social skills training. Other treatment modalities, e.g. joint interventions provided by fire services and mental health services, are also discussed.

Given the lack of available literature on young firesetters with intellectual disabilities it is hoped that this paper will be useful in guiding clinicians working in this area and also prompt future research regarding treatment with this client group.