There is increasing understanding of neurodiversity across society. However, considerable concerns exist that systems and institutions relating to the law and criminal justice system are lagging behind. Particular concerns exist as to the ‘prison pipeline’ that exists as represented by the dramatic overrepresentation of neurodifference/neurominorities within the incarcerated population. Indeed it is noted that within many prison populations neurominorities represent a majority rather than being a minority as in the general population.

Clearly this striking over representation points to systemic flaws endemic to societal responses to neurodiversity not least of which is lack of equity and equality within the criminal justice system itself. In addition very strong indications exist of compounding intersectional disadvantage relating to race, gender and socioeconomic status. Data points to poorer outcomes across a multiplicity of indicators for neurodivergent individuals who interface with the criminal justice system.

The objective of this conference is to facilitate an exchange of cutting edge academic discourse, policy and practice initiatives with lived experience at the core. The conference will include all areas of the criminal justice system across international jurisdictions: police, practice in court and the judiciary, probation, prison, parole and forensic mental health services. Topics will be considered through a lens of lived experience, policy, academic learnings and practice.

The aim is that all sectors will have the opportunity to share lived experience, learnings and contemporary practice relating to neurodiversity as they pertain to their research field, organisation and/or jurisdiction. It is hoped that this will allow cross fertilisation of best practice models across jurisdictions.