Learning disabilities: supporting people in the criminal justice system

People with a learning disability can experience multiple inequities in accessing criminal justice health services. This can lead to missed opportunities to diagnose learning disabilities, delayed access to effective treatment, and ineffective and unequal access to justice. People with a learning disability can experience difficulties in communication, sensory processing, comprehension and social functioning. Clinicians and criminal justice staff need to make reasonable adjustments to their practice so they provide equitable access to health and justice services, and improve the experience of people with a learning disability who are confronted with the criminal justice system.