A significant proportion of individuals in the justice system have unrecognised neurodivergent traits, and/or learning difficulties or disabilities, contributing to poorer outcomes and higher rates of recidivism. The Do-IT Profiler system, developed specifically for prison settings, offers a scalable, accessible screening tool to identify strengths and challenges across cognitive, functional and psychosocial domains.
Drawing on over 15 years of data, including from youth, female and male populations, this paper highlights how neurodivergent traits co-occur and intersect with adversity, such as school exclusion and care experience, impacting mental health and increasing vulnerability. Screening is especially important where formal diagnoses are lacking, or presentations are complex. Findings suggest holistic approaches are needed to inform rehabilitation and resettlement strategies and to develop more inclusive, preventative and compassionate justice practices that can ultimately help reduce reoffending. Embedding systems for screening supports early identification, enhances understanding of the person, and provides personalised, practical guidance for both people in prison and staff.
