Let's talk about adhd in a CRC
| Author | Jane Wood |
| Position | Montfort University |
| Pages | 104-118 |
104
British Journal of Community Justice
©2021 Manchester Metropolitan University
ISSN 1475-0279
Vol. 17(2) 104–118
https://doi.org/10.48411/9bs1-gm31
LET’S TALK ABOUT ADHD IN A CRC.
Jane E Wood, De Montfort University
Contact: jewood708@gmail.com
Abstract
Increasingly the demanding nature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is
being acknowledged as having a lifelong impact. This paper reflects upon two specific areas
of communication difficulty often associated with ADHD, which are pragmatic language and
dysfluency. Pragmatic language refers to the service user’s abil ity to use appropriate and
applicable language. Dysfluency refers not only to a stammer, but difficulties with timing
and maintaining a conversational flow. The latter is often hindered by the poor use of
pragmatic skills. A small-scale qualitative research study was carried out in a Community
Rehabilitation Company (CRC), to explore what support and understanding of ADHD was
held by CRC staff and service users with ADHD. One to one semi- structured interviews were
carried out with thirteen CRC staff and six service users. The research questions did not
specifically target pragmatic and dysfluent language, yet both emerged from the data
collection, i ndicating a relevance to communication style and ability when carrying out
probation work. The research highlighted that CRC staff were not always suitably resourced
to deal with ADHD service users. Access to suitable training were lacking, and instances of
loss of experienced staff were commonplace. Despite the best efforts of the CRC staff,
evidence suggested that overall there was poor understanding of ADHD and failure to
identify needs. However, there was some evidence of good practice which supported
pragmatic language and dysfluent challenges for ADHD service users. As recognition of a
more neurodiverse population increases, accommodation within a unified probation
services becomes a pressing issue.
Keywords
ADHD; CRC; pragmatic; dysfluency; in/appropriate practise; future implications
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