ADHD

Evidence suggests, there is a strong correlation between offences caused by children, teenagers and young adults and ADHD, within unsupported environments.

ADHD can create poorer education or exclusion from school, both of these are factors that contribute unemployment and anti- social behaviour.

Around 25% of UK prisoners are estimated to have ADHD [mk-law.co.uk], [olliers.com] In some studies 45% of youth offenders show ADHD traits [cepip.org] 5–10x higher rates than the general population [rcpsych.ac.uk]

Most people in the justice system with ADHD also have other conditions such as substance misuse, conduct disorder / behavioural issues and have had trauma or/and school exclusion. In fact, up to 96% of prisoners with ADHD have another mental health condition.

What’s important to remember is people with ADHD don’t have a criminal gene. [rcpsych.ac.uk] Most people with ADHD never commit crime and we are in no way implying that they do.

It’s mainly about risk factors, not intent. Core ADHD traits linked to risk are Impulsivity (acting without thinking), Poor emotional control (aggression, conflict), Low attention / planning (poor decision-making) and Risk-taking behaviour. [blog.govnet.co.uk] 

ADHD young people start offending earlier and reoffend more often [cepip.org] 

Persistent ADHD (into adulthood) is linked to poor education outcomes, unemployment and antisocial behaviour [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

We are passionate about doing what we can here, we believe it’s a factor that needs addressing to help Communities Fightback. Proper support can reduce criminal behaviour significantly. We can’t diagnose, but we can certainly increase awareness around this issue. Estimates suggest treatment could reduce offending by 32% in men and 41% in women [mk-law.co.uk]

That’s why police, NHS, and MoJ are pushing early diagnosis. ADHD + environment + lack of support = higher risk

We believe in working and partnering with ADHD charities to provide support, by actively bringing support, help and information to our events, makes a difference to people with ADHD traits and their families and… the community.

We believe guidance and education through partnerships is key.