I have outlined above an issue regarding the prison population. Many prisoners have neurological conditions such as ADHD, Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome and / or learning differences such as Dyslexia. These conditions can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They can also lead to addictions to alcohol and/or drugs which in themselves often result in anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Prisons are overcrowded and understaffed.
Conditions in many are poor. Post-release support is woefully inadequate.
A possible solution is to reduce the numbers in prison by addressing the issues at an early stage of each individual’s life. Funding should be put in place to allow for early assessment and screening of children starting school so that conditions can be identified as early as possible, with teacher and family input. The child, their family and teachers could then be given support which would enable them to have as much opportunity as possible to become aware of the child’s needs and what strategies and support plans can be implemented to assist them to make the most of their potential and reduce the impact which their learning differences might have on their ability to access the curriculum and make the most of their time in school.
The funding should also allow for teachers to be well trained in identifying and supporting children with learning differences. There should also be specialist staff attached to each school who can support both pupils, staff and parents/carers as appropriate. Counselling for mental health and stress should be easily available, perhaps with one counsellor being available for a group of schools.
More emphasis should also be placed on the different learning styles and the various types of intelligences which exist, with the aim of encouraging the recognition and acceptance of individuals in order to avoid the ostracising of some children who do not fit easily under the academic ‘umbrella’.
This support should be available in both Primary and Secondary tiers but in an inclusive way which allows students to feel valued and accepted rather than excluded…which often happens literally.
Students who behave in an inappropriate manner at school are trying to express themselves and let people know that they are not happy and not confident. Too often they are seen as ‘naughty’ or ‘badly behaved’ when actually they are crying out for help and to be seen for who they are and not for what they cannot do…whether this is sitting still, focusing for long periods, reading successfully, etc.
As students become older I believe it is important that they are assisted in the recognition that they are part of a wider community and a volunteer scheme should be incorporated into the curriculum. This would enable young people to feel that they are valued and belong to and have a part to play in their local community. It would offer them the opportunity to develop social and communication skills and would improve self esteem and self confidence.
It is my belief that if there was more understanding of the above mentioned conditions and if more support was available for young people, their family and school staff struggling with the consequences then there could be a reduction in the numbers of prisoners who find themselves incarcerated because their struggles and sense of inferiority, failure, difference and ‘not fitting in’ in early life have led to anti-social behaviours which have escalated into criminality.
This is also a waste of people as a ‘resource’ for society as people with ADHD and Autism/Asperger’s are often highly intelligent and motivated in certain ways, if only they could receive the recognition and appropriate support which could maximise their potential.
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