Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is often characterised by lack of attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Children (and adults) with ADHD are generally considered to have a neurodiversity. This condition can make them inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive. Many people with ADHD also have learning difficulties and additional problems such as sleep disorders.
Children with ADHD might:
- find it harder to pay attention and make careless mistakes
- have difficulty following instructions, organizing and finishing tasks
- seem not to listen when being spoken to
- be easily distracted
- fidget and find it difficult to sit still
- run or climb about in inappropriate situations
- talk excessively
- give answers before questions have been completed
- interrupt and find it hard to wait their turn
ADHD at the police station
It is important for the police to know if a child has ADHD. This may affect how the police treat a child, how the police view the child’s behaviour and whether the child gets a criminal record. Modifications (changes) can be made to how the police conduct a police interview. This can make it easier for a child with ADHD to answer questions and give their best evidence. An intermediary can be used to help with communication and a child must have an appropriate adult (see effective participation), ideally this will be someone aware of the child’s ADHD.
If a child has ADHD and they are a witness or a victim, it is important to tell the police.
ADHD at court
If a child has ADHD, modifications (changes) can help a child with ADHD to be able to effectively participate in court. For example:
- regular breaks for movement and medication
- opportunity to doodle, therapy cushion, use of a stress ball
- explaining that fidgeting is not a sign of disrespect
Also, if a child with ADHD is unable to give a full comment, give a police interview or give evidence in court, it may be possible to resist an adverse inference being drawn from the child’s failure to give evidence.
If the child is a defendant or witness, special measures can also be used. For example, use of an intermediary when preparing for giving evidence, to explain what is happening in court and to help with communication when giving evidence
See YJLC’s legal guides on the Criminal Practice Directions Effective participation and fitness to plead for further information on modifications to the court process and the legal framework for achieving them.