Neurodiversity wings are a kind of Seg!

By Walthari Nikolaj

(as published in Inside Time National Prison Newspaper on 1st August 2024)

https://insidetime.org/comment/neurodiversity-wings-are-a-kind-of-seg/

Prisons, including Pentonville and Lewes, have been praised for creating ‘neurodiversity wings’, for prisoners with?autism or ADHD. But one former prisoner argues that such wings marginalise those they are meant to help.

The language we use to discuss neurodiversity and neurodivergence is crucial, especially when addressing such topics within the prison system. Misuse of terminology distorts understanding and can lead to misguided policies and practices. As awareness grows about neurodivergent conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism, it is vital to accurately define terms and recognise the widespread prevalence of these conditions among the incarcerated population. This awareness is not merely academic but has practical implications for how prisons should be structured and managed to effectively accommodate all people in prison.

Neurodiversity versus neurodivergence

Neurodiversity refers to the concept that all humans vary regarding brain function and behavioural traits. Everyone, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, falls under the umbrella of neurodiversity. Neurodivergence, on the other hand, describes individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ significantly from what is considered typical. This includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others. Individuals with these conditions are referred to as neurodivergent.

The scale of the problem

The statistics are telling. Approximately 25 per cent of prisoners have a diagnosed ADHD condition, and this figure likely underestimates the true prevalence, given the many undiagnosed cases. Autism and other neurodivergent conditions also appear disproportionately in prison populations. Given this, it is evident that neurodivergence is not a fringe issue but a central concern within the prison system. Only 2.5 per cent of the general population is diagnosed with ADHD. That’s a ten-fold disparity, and the prevalence suggests that we, as a society, have criminalised disability.

‘Neurodiversity wings’

Recently, some prisons have introduced so-called ‘neurodiversity wings’, designated spaces for neurodivergent prisoners to interact with trained staff with day-to-day support. While well-intentioned, this terminology needs to be revised. By definition, every wing of a prison is neurodiverse because all humans are part of neurodiversity. What these wings represent is the segregation of neurodivergent prisoners, an approach that risks further marginalising an already vulnerable population.

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Creating separate wings for neurodivergent individuals suggests that adjustments are only necessary for some, rather than recognising that inclusivity should be a systemic principle. This segregation ignores the fact that many neurodivergent prisoners may not display overt signs of their conditions but still require accommodations to thrive. The real need is for all prison wings to be neuro-inclusive, ensuring that the environment supports the diverse needs of every prisoner.

The need for neuroinclusive prisons

Given the high prevalence of neurodivergent conditions, a prison with eight wings might need three or four wings just for prisoners with ADHD if we were to segregate based on condition. However, this approach is neither practical nor desirable. Instead, accommodations should be integrated throughout the prison environment to support all prisoners, reflecting the true diversity of the prison population.

This inclusive approach benefits everyone. Neuroinclusive practices can improve overall mental health and reduce stress, making the prison environment more humane and effective in restoration, so-called rehabilitation. For instance, providing sensory-friendly spaces, implementing clear communication strategies, and offering specialised staff training can significantly improve the wellbeing of neurodivergent prisoners.

The impact of prison on neurodivergent individuals?

The prison environment is inherently challenging, but for neurodivergent individuals it can be particularly harmful. Harsh sensory stimuli, rigid regimes that remove much-needed autonomy, or commonly an inconsistent regime and a day filled with many changes, and a lack of appropriate support, exacerbate conditions like autism and ADHD especially, often leading to deterioration in mental health and dysregulation and ability to manage traits and behavioural challenges. This reality underscores the urgent need for reform in how prisons operate and support neurodivergent prisoners. It is also the ‘trauma-informed’ thing to do!

Recognising that prisons must evolve to become more accommodating and supportive of all neurological differences is crucial. This means moving away from segregation towards integration and inclusivity. Such a shift respects all prisoners’ humanity and aligns with broader rehabilitation and social reintegration goals. It also acknowledges trauma that will probably exist before prison, directly from going through arrest, trial, and conviction. Maybe wrongly, because many people with ADHD go guilty, even when they’re not, just to get out of the courtroom for that minute. These people sit in prison, feeling the same way every day, the trauma repeated again and again. It ought to be recognised that imprisonment, especially in today’s prison system, is a traumatic experience for prisoners and a more intense trauma for some individuals with neurodivergent conditions.

In conclusion, the conversation about neurodiversity in prisons must be grounded in accurate terminology and a commitment to inclusivity. Misusing terms like ‘neurodiversity wings’ perpetuates misunderstandings and inadequate responses to the needs of neurodivergent inmates. Instead, all prison wings should be neuroinclusive, reflecting the true diversity of their population. By doing so, we can create a more just and effective prison system that recognises and accommodates the neurological differences of all individuals.