Half of people recently arrested by Met police may have undiagnosed ADHD, study finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Rachel HallDecember 10, 2025 at 04:00 PM

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A University of Cambridge study conducted in London in 2024 found that approximately half of individuals recently arrested by the Metropolitan Police may have undiagnosed ADHD, and one in twenty may have undiagnosed autism. The research, conducted across six police custody centers over eight weeks, suggests that screening for neurodivergence among detainees could improve access to support and ensure fairer treatment within the criminal justice system. Researchers collaborated with the Metropolitan Police to explore the feasibility of informal neurodivergence screening. The study, published in Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, highlights the overrepresentation of neurodivergent individuals in the prison system and suggests early identification could divert vulnerable individuals towards appropriate support, potentially reducing unnecessary criminalization. The aim is to inform legal decision-making and ensure defendants receive adequate legal protection.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

London 40% Prof Sir Simon Baron-Cohen ×250% Autism Research Centre (ARC) 60% Metropolitan police ×270% University of Cambridge 80%

Keywords

adhd 100% neurodivergence 90% criminal justice system 80% undiagnosed adhd 70% metropolitan police 70% screening 60% autism 60% arrested individuals 50% impulse control 40%