Home / Health / Half of London Arrestees May Have Undiagnosed ADHD
Half of London Arrestees May Have Undiagnosed ADHD
10 Dec
Summary
- Half of London arrestees possibly have undiagnosed ADHD.
- One in 20 may have undiagnosed autism, study finds.
- Screening could ensure fairer treatment in criminal justice.
New research conducted with the Metropolitan police suggests a significant portion of individuals detained in London may have undiagnosed neurodivergent conditions. The study, led by the University of Cambridge, found that as many as 50% of recently arrested individuals exhibited traits suggestive of ADHD, while 5.4% may have undiagnosed autism.
Researchers advocate for introducing voluntary screening in police custody centers. They believe this approach can lead to more informed legal decisions, better access to legal protections, and fairer outcomes for neurodivergent defendants. Early identification is seen as crucial for officers to interpret behaviors accurately and provide appropriate support, potentially diverting individuals from the criminal justice process.
Evidence consistently shows neurodivergent individuals are overrepresented in prisons. The study highlights that screening tools, while not diagnostic, can identify those who would benefit from further assessment. This could help prevent the criminalization of misunderstood behavior and ensure individuals receive the help they need, aligning with basic human rights.
