Navigating Neurodisability Through The Prison Gates

Neurodisability is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the development of the brain and nervous system, impacting movement, learning, communication, and behaviour. Examples include autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and traumatic brain injury.

This study aims to improve how we identify and meet the social care needs of people who are identified as having a ‘neurodisability’ while they are in prison, and are then released. People with neurodisabilities are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Estimates suggest one in four have ADHD, around a half have a traumatic brain injury, and up to 13% have autism. For many, screening in prison is the first time their needs are identified.

Neurodisability is associated with a range of potential social care needs, including support to access work or education, safety at home, maintaining relationships, or engaging in social activities, while their family carers may also be eligible for social care support. People identified as having a neurodisability while in prison may therefore be eligible for a package of support while in prison and on return to the community. However, there is evidence to suggest that people with neurodisability are at significant risk of not being able to access the support they need and to which they are entitled.

• Aims

  The primary aim of this study is to improve awareness of and access to social care support related to neurodisability, in prison and upon release. 

  The project is shaped by individuals with lived experience, including advisory board members who have been in prison and diagnosed with neurodisabilities. People with lived experience will play an active role as co-researchers, contributing to study design, fieldwork, analysis, and dissemination. Collaboration with probation and adult social care practitioners ensures that findings translate into practical improvements in support services.

• Methods and planned outputs

  This long term project aims to address the identified knowledge gaps through five key stages:

  1. Mapping Support Services – examining what social care support is available for individuals with neurodisability in prison and after release.
  2. Co-Researcher Training – Four serving prisoners with a neurodisability will be trained as co-researchers with the support of Criminal Justice Lived Experience organisation – Revolving Doors. They will help shape the study, determining who to engage with and why. Research will focus on one probation area covering a range of prisons, including female, private, and public estates.
  3. Stakeholder Interviews – approximately 32 prison, probation, third-sector, and social care practitioners will be interviewed to identify effective practices and challenges in supporting individuals with neurodisability.
  4. Lived Experience Research – Each co-researcher will interview six other neurodivergent prisoners while in prison, and follow up three and six months post-release. Researchers will also keep reflective diaries in their preferred format.
  5. Dissemination and Impact – A toolkit and training programme will be developed for criminal justice and social care practitioners, alongside practical guidance for practitioners and individuals with neurodisability.