Assessment and Prevalence of PTSD in People with Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Criminal Justice Settings - A Systematic Review

Abstract

People with neurodevelopmental conditions are over-represented in criminal justice settings. PTSD is under-detected and under-treated in this population, and there is a lack of research in this area. The purpose of the study is to establish prevalence of PTSD in people with autism, ADHD and intellectual disability in criminal justice settings, by conducting a systematic literature review. The review identifies eight studies published between 2008 and 2024. Reported prevalence ranges from 4.6% to 80%, indicating methodological differences in screening and assessment of both neurodevelopmental conditions and PTSD. There is a need to develop effective methods for screening and assessment of PTSD in neurodivergent people in prison and for further high-quality research into the prevalence of these co-occurring conditions in these settings.