How forensic psychologists with ADHD experience the profession | Dr Alice Bennett and Dr Rachel Worthington

Aug 15, 2024

Dr. Alice Bennett, a Registered Psychologist at HMP Frankland, and Dr. Rachel Worthington, a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, share their unique perspectives as forensic psychologists with ADHD. They discuss the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD in their field, advocating for tailored practices and support systems. The duo also explores the importance of collaborative research, the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, and innovative tools like the 'Brain Friendly Passport' to support neurodiversity in forensic settings.

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INSIGHT

ADHD Manifestations

ADHD manifests differently, especially across genders.
Males may exhibit impulsivity, while females might experience inattentiveness or daydreaming.

INSIGHT

ADHD Stereotypes

The common image of ADHD as a young, boisterous boy stems from past biases in diagnosis.
Female presentations were often overlooked, leading to underdiagnosis and a skewed perception.

INSIGHT

Individualized ADHD

ADHD, like autism or personality disorders, has specific diagnostic criteria.
However, individual traits vary greatly, requiring personalized approaches.

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Dr Alice Bennett is a Registered Psychologist at HMP Frankland and has worked in the Prison Service since 2006, mainly within discrete units for those who are considered high-risk in high secure prisons. Outside of the prison walls, Alice engages in research and is a journal reviewer. She advocates practitioners publishing work as well as promoting co-working between academia and practice.

Dr Rachel Worthington is a Registered Psychologist and a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University. Rachel has with over 20 years’ experience of working with clients inprisons, secure psychiatric hospitals and in the community. Her clinical work focuses on assessment and delivery of therapy for adult and adolescent clients with personality difficulties, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injury. More recently, she has developed a tool (the ‘Brain Friendly Passport’) to support people with neurodiversity to access more tailored support. Rachel has published widely onneurodiversity, and improving pedagogical approaches in Forensic Psychology.

Key references:

Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2016). The smart but scattered guide to success: How to use your brain's executive skills to keep up, stay calm, and get organized at work and at home. Guilford Publications.

Honos-Webb, L. (2010). The gift of ADHD: How to transform your child's problems into strengths. New Harbinger Publications.

Ramsay, J. R., & Rostain, A. L. (2014). The adult ADHD tool kit: Using CBT to facilitate coping inside and out. Routledge.

Sedgwick, J.A., Merwood, A. & Asherson, P. (2019). The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11(3), 241–253.

Solanto, M. V. (2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: Targeting executive dysfunction. Guilford Press.

Worthington, R. E., & Bennett, A. (2023). Improving access to forensic psychology education and training for learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Forensic Update, 144, 32-39.

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