"Research by the University of Cambridge found that one in two individuals arrested and detained over an eight-week period in London in 2024 may have undiagnosed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and one in 20 may have undiagnosed autism. The team worked with the Metropolitan police to explore the idea of offering informal screening for neurodivergence to people detained by the police, which they said could improve access to support and help them receive fairer treatment in the criminal justice system."
"Screening for possible neurodivergence will allow more informed legal decision-making, taking into account cognitive and communicative differences. It can also help ensure defendants get access to legal protection and appropriate counsel. This could improve both the treatment and experiences of neurodivergent people in the criminal justice system and ultimately lead to fairer outcomes, including protection under the law, which is a basic human right."
One in two individuals arrested and detained over an eight-week period in London in 2024 may have undiagnosed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and one in 20 may have undiagnosed autism. The Metropolitan Police worked with the University of Cambridge to explore offering informal neurodivergence screening to detainees. Screening could improve access to support, ensure defendants receive appropriate legal protection and counsel, and allow legal decision-making to account for cognitive and communicative differences. Neurodivergent people, particularly those with autism or ADHD, are overrepresented in prisons. ADHD medication can improve impulse control for some people, potentially reducing the risk of criminal behaviour.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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