ADHD, the Criminal Justice System and Compassionate Rehabilitation with Sarah Templeton

In this week’s episode of The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, we’re shining a light on the critical but often ignored intersection between ADHD and the criminal justice system.

I’m joined by Sarah Templeton, CEO of ADHD Liberty, counsellor, author of The Prison Counsellor, and tireless campaigner for ADHD awareness in prisons, probation, and homelessness services. Sarah shares how her powerful personal and professional journey of late diagnosed ADHD has led her to dedicate her work to supporting those misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated by a system that labels ADHD traits as “bad” behaviour rather than unmet needs.

With a fierce belief in rehabilitation, Sarah discusses common ADHD traits that can trigger "bad behaviour", practical ways ADHD can be managed behind bars without medication, and how improved understanding of ADHD can transform self-esteem, life outcomes, and even steer individuals from criminality to entrepreneurship.

Her work is paving the way for a world where ADHD isn’t punished but supported, and where young people are guided away from the school-to-prison pipeline.

My new book, The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, is now available, grab your copy here!

What You'll Learn:

• Why society must stop labelling ADHD as “naughty” and start supporting it as a neurological condition • Why ADHD traits like impulsivity and boundary-pushing are often misread as “bad behaviour” • How poor self-esteem and shame in undiagnosed ADHD can drive offending • Sarah's work to create ADHD awareness videos in prisons • How parenting can be the turning point between criminality and creativity • The urgent need for ADHD screening in schools, prisons, probation, addiction and homelessness services • What managing ADHD without medication or exercise looks like in prison (e.g. breathwork, mindset strategies) • The role of ADHD awareness in rehabilitation • The importance of research into ADHD and criminality, and the transformational effects of diagnosis and rehabilitation

Understanding ADHD as a condition rather than a moral failing can significantly enhance self-esteem and promote recovery for those affected, as well as improve the criminal justice system. To help the School-to-Prison Pipeline, click here.

Timestamps:

• 07:30 - Understanding ADHD in the Criminal Justice System • 12:34 - The Transformative Power of Awareness and Self-Understanding • 15:42 - Addressing ADHD in Prisons: The Need for Specialised Support • 25:01 - Understanding ADHD in the Criminal Justice System • 26:10 - Changes Required in the Education System Regarding ADHD • 28:19- Understanding ADHD in Rehabilitation • 36:04 - Raising ADHD Awareness in Prisons

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