Neurodivergence and Criminal Justice

International Perspectives

Tom Smith, Roxanna Dehaghani, Emma Smith, Leigh Anne McKingsley

• Publisher: Routledge
• Edition: 1
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Law
• Print ISBN:
  9781041030485
• Subtopic: Comparative Law
• eBook ISBN:
  9781040655290
• Index: Law

This book offers an original perspective on neurodivergence in the context of criminal justice. Neurodivergence collectively describes a range of neurodevelopmental differences which primarily affect cognitive processes such as social communication, learning and memory and sensory processing. The way in which criminal justice systems, processes, and institutions engage with neurodivergent individuals is an emerging priority for policymakers, legal and clinical practitioners, academics, and a fundamental issue for people with disabilities and lived experience. The collection draws together insights from multiple jurisdictions, spanning common and civil law traditions in various regions of the world. Edited by an international team of interdisciplinary experts in the field, the volume sheds light on existing challenges for neurodivergent individuals, including suspects, defendants and victims of crime, as well as best practice in ensuring fair and effective justice processes. The book ultimately aims to identify common experiences, challenges and changes in this vital area, which can be shared and built on by the next generation of international scholars, practitioners, and neurodivergent people.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• List of Tables and Figures
• About the Editors
• List of Contributors
• List of Abbreviations
• Table of Legislation
• Table of Cases
• Introduction
• 1 Research on Autism and Criminal Justice: Findings from a Bibliometric Analysis
• 2 Divergent Perspectives on Policing in Australia
• 3 Towards Improved Access to Justice for Autistic Child Witnesses and Victim-Survivors: A Comparative Critique of Investigative Interviewing Challenges in Portugal and England and Wales
• 4 Best Practices for Responding to Neurodivergence under Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act – The Perspectives of Justice-Involved Youth
• 5 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the Courts: An International Review
• 6 Sentencing Neurodivergent Offenders in Hong Kong: The Persistence of Sanist Attitudes and Stereotypes in Criminal Justice
• 7 Individual and Structural Vulnerabilities in South Africa: The Neurodivergent Accused in a Post-Apartheid Criminal Justice System
• Index