Ep30: A different lens? Neurodivergence in the criminal justice system

It is estimated that over half the prison population is neurodivergent, including people who are autistic or have ADHD or a brain injury. Is society's failure to understand neurodivergence leading to disproportionate criminalisation? In this episode, Rob and Penelope are joined by MP and former Lord Chancellor Sir Robert Buckland and Angela Kirwin, criminal justice author. They discuss the factors that cause neurodivergent people to come into contact with the justice system, how they experience prison differently, and efforts to promote neuroinclusion across justice. Sir Robert Buckland @RobertBuckland Read the inspectorate report commissioned by Sir Robert here: https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/cjji/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/Neurodiversity-evidence-review-web-2021.pdf Angela Kirwin @AngelaKirwinUK Read Angela’s book ‘Criminal’ here: https://geni.us/CriminalPB Further resources Read the User Voice Report ‘Not Naughty, Stupid or Bad’ here: https://www.uservoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/User_Voice_Neurodiversity_Dec_2023.pdf Read the Transform Justice report on assaults on emergency workers here: https://www.transformjustice.org.uk/publication/protecting-the-protectors-do-criminal-sanctions-reduce-violence-against-police-and-nhs-staff/ Read the Transform Justice archive on insights related to neurodiversity here: https://www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight-tag/neurodivergence/ Transform Justice Website: ⁠www.transformjustice.org.uk⁠ Twitter: @TransformJust1 Email: [email protected] The Transform Justice podcast is hosted by Penelope Gibbs and Rob Allen and produced and edited by Alexandra Kimmons.