46. Unmasking ADHD in the Criminal Justice System: An Exploration with Angela Kirwin

Send us Fan MailAngela Kirwin, renowned writer-activist and author of the riveting book, How Prisons Are Failing Us All, takes center stage in this episode, providing some harrowing insights into the world of neurodiversity, mental health, and the criminal justice system. Join us as we peel back the layers of societal expectations and the challenges they pose in diagnosing ADHD, especially in women and girls.This episode mines the groundbreaking work of the ADHD Alliance, shedding light on the invaluable support they provide to neurodiverse individuals within the police force. Hear first-hand about their collaboration on a pioneering study with the City of London Police, where every arrested individual is screened for ADHD, a potentially game-changing approach in the justice system. Angela emphasizes the urgency of facing the underlying issues faced by women in prisons, especially mental health concerns and the stark absence of safe housing.Navigating ADHD can be a profound struggle. Angela draws from her personal journey with ADHD, sharing her frustrations with self-diagnosis, the exorbitant costs linked to a formal diagnosis, and the power of therapy in fostering self-understanding and growth. The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging mental health conditions in prisons, and highlights the potential of creative outlets for neurodiverse individuals while cautioning against self-diagnosis. This is a must-listen episode for those intrigued by ADHD, mental health, and the criminal justice system.Support the showFor more unmissable content from The View sign up here