‘It's my brain why don’t they get that my brain is different?’: The needs of neurodivergent probation service users and what neuro-informed best practice for criminal justice social workers looks like

Having a neuro-disability or neurodivergent condition can impact a person's vulnerability to involvement with the criminal justice system, as well as increase their vulnerability to harm as a result of ignorant and punitive practices from others. With data showing that rates of neuro-disability can be as high as 89% in some justice settings, it is imperative that criminal justice social workers become trained and informed in best neuro-informed practice for probation service users involved in justice. This article seeks to explore neuro-disabilities and neuro-informed practice in the criminal justice system. It considers both the perspectives of disabled people, and criminal social work practitioners. It offers best practice ideas regarding the challenges faced by people who have neurodivergent conditions and interact with criminal justice. The article explores practices that empower and accommodate rather than punish. It concludes that with training and awareness of disability and the challenges faced by neurodivergent clients, criminal justice workers can accommodate and help neurodivergent clients manage their encounters with the criminal justice system.