How ADHD is Leading Thousands of Teens into Crime and Prison with Sarah Templeton

Mar 24, 2025

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Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here:https://bit.ly/first_3_chapters

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In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive, host Kate Brownfield speaks with Sarah Templeton, a UK-based ADHD therapist, author, and advocate. Sarah shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 51 and how it led her to advocate for young offenders with undiagnosed ADHD. She explains deeply the ADHD to prison pipeline, the impact of undiagnosed conditions, and why early intervention is critical.

Sarah is a fierce advocate for ADHD awareness in the criminal justice system, working to change policies at the highest levels. Her latest book, How Not to Damage Your ADHD Adolescent, provides vital knowledge for parents to guide their teens toward a positive future. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone with ADHD, this episode is packed with eye opening discussions on ADHD’s role in impulsivity, addiction, self-esteem, and crime.

Expect to Learn:

How undiagnosed ADHD contributes to criminal behavior and addiction.
The importance of early ADHD diagnosis and medication in preventing trouble.
The link between ADHD, impulsivity, and the criminal justice system.
Why the right environment, support, and activities can steer ADHD teens in the right direction.
How parents can advocate for their ADHD teens and prevent negative outcomes.

In today’s Episode: [01:24] - Introduction [02:36] - Sarah’s late ADHD diagnosis & her work in prisons [05:38] - What’s the difference in how the traits are used in society [09:08] - Sarah’s new book [11:48] - How impulsivity leads to legal trouble for ADHD teens [19:14] - The ADHD to prison pipeline: Understanding the risks [22:09] - Drugs, alcohol, and self-medication in ADHD individuals [26:08] - ADHD and increased health risks, including heart disease [32:09] - Why the criminal justice system fails to recognize ADHD [40:54] - The role of teachers in identifying ADHD early [46:47] - Final advice for parents: [51:06] - Closing thoughts & key takeaways