Children with neurodivergence often face unique challenges that are overlooked or misunderstood in many systems, including education, health, and youth justice. Their needs require specialised understanding and support to prevent misdiagnosis, exclusion, or criminalisation.
This page gathers key resources to help professionals learn about different neurodivergent conditions, understand the experiences of neurodivergent children in the youth justice system, and develop informed, compassionate, and effective approaches.
Key resources for youth justice workers
Understanding neurodiversity
A Guide to Specific Learning Differences
Written for educators, this guide offers a clear and practical overview of SpLDs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, and is equally valuable for youth justice practitioners seeking to better understand how these differences can affect learning, communication and behaviour.
British Dyslexia Association
Neurodiversity and the youth justice system
Practice advice: speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in the youth justice system
Joint guidance offering practical advice for practitioners and managers in youth justice teams and secure accommodation to support children with SLCN.
Youth Justice Board / Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (2015)