Embedding neurodiversity-informed practices in the criminal justice system: a call for action

Purpose This paper aims to explore why neurodivergent people often have difficult and uneven experiences in the criminal justice system. While awareness has improved, practice has not kept pace. It suggests the issue lies less with individuals and more with a system not designed for diverse needs. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a whole system view, drawing on research across psychology, criminology and public health. It follows experiences from police custody through courts, prisons and probation to show how gaps build over time rather than appearing in isolation. Findings The system often struggles to recognise and respond to neurodivergence. Identification is inconsistent, support uneven, and information does not always follow individuals. These pressures accumulate, shaping experiences and outcomes in ways that are often avoidable. Originality/value By bringing together neurodiversity, mental health and trauma informed perspectives, the paper offers a more joined up view. It shifts focus from individuals to systems, encouraging more coordinated and inclusive approaches to justice.