Key Takeaways

• A new study finds that up to half of London arrests may involve people with undiagnosed ADHD, highlighting key neurodivergence and public health concerns as of 14 December 2025.
• Half of London arrests may involve undiagnosed ADHD, raising questions about support systems and early intervention.
• A 12-year-old wins a pageant title after creating an ADHD planner for kids, demonstrating practical community-driven solutions.
• Social media use is directly linked to the rise in ADHD diagnoses among children, complicating debates about online behavior.
• New brain research reveals a genetic overlap between autism and ADHD in children, indicating deeper neurodevelopmental connections.
• Lived experiences are driving innovation and systems that empower neurodivergent professionals.

Introduction

A major study has revealed that up to half of arrests in London may involve people with undiagnosed ADHD. This finding brings renewed attention to neurodivergence and public health as of 14 December 2025. Today’s ADHD news also examines increasing childhood diagnoses linked to social media use, alongside new research, innovation, and lived experiences shaping the field.

Top Story: London Study Reveals ADHD “Criminal Labeling” Concerns

Key Findings and Implications

A comprehensive study published on 13 December 2025 by University College London indicates significant issues in how ADHD is perceived by the criminal justice system. The study examined 2,850 case files from the past three years and found that individuals with ADHD were 64% more likely to be charged with “disruptive behavior” offenses than their neurotypical peers facing similar accusations.

Researchers found that law enforcement officers often misinterpreted ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties following complex instructions as defiance or aggression. Lead researcher Dr. Jennifer Harlow reported that basic neurodiversity training for officers led to a 48% increase in appropriate interventions and a 37% reduction in unnecessary escalation.

The study raised particular concern about standard interrogation procedures. Criminal justice psychologist Marcus Webb stated that traditional methods, like extended questioning without breaks and rapid questioning, significantly increased false confessions among individuals with ADHD.

Response and Action Plan

The Metropolitan Police has pledged to implement mandatory neurodiversity training for all officers by March 2026. Deputy Commissioner Alan Thorpe acknowledged that the research highlights gaps in their approach, requiring action.

Civil liberties organizations, including the Neurodiversity Legal Alliance, are urging immediate reforms to interrogation protocols. They recommend mandatory breaks, recording all interviews, and providing neurodiversity advocates during questioning of suspects displaying ADHD indicators.

Study authors have released an open-access toolkit for law enforcement, including assessment guidelines and intervention strategies for interacting with neurodivergent individuals. Eight police departments across the UK are piloting this toolkit.

Also Today: Innovation and Lived Experience

Google Launches “Focus Flow” Workspace Features for Neurodivergent Professionals

On 13 December 2025, Google Workspace introduced a suite of ADHD-supportive productivity features named “Focus Flow.” These tools provide customizable visual timers, automated task sequencing, and a “context restoration” feature that records workflow progress during task switching.

Development included input from 12 neurodivergent designers and engineers. Product manager Sanjay Mehta noted the design emphasizes harnessing creative connections that may arise during task-switching rather than treating distraction only as a deficit.

Initial testing with 500 neurodivergent professionals indicated a 42% increase in task completion and a 38% increase in innovative solutions compared to standard workflows. The features will be available globally beginning 15 January 2026.

“ADHD at Work” Podcast Surpasses One Million Downloads

The “ADHD at Work” podcast, hosted by Maya Williams, has reached one million downloads in its first eight months. The show features interviews with ADHD professionals who share strategies for leveraging neurodivergent traits for career success.

Williams credits the growth to a strengths-based approach that reframes ADHD as a source of professional advantage. The podcast’s community now counts over 25,000 members sharing workplace accommodations, technology recommendations, and job opportunities at neurodiversity-affirming organizations. Upcoming episodes will feature workplace managers who implement ADHD-friendly policies.

Also Today: Research and Diagnosis Trends

Large-Scale Study Reveals Significant ADHD Underdiagnosis in Women

A new longitudinal study in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders has shown that women with ADHD experience an average 12-year delay in diagnosis compared to men with similar symptoms. The study, covering 3,200 participants over 15 years, is the largest of its kind.

The research found that healthcare providers often overlook ADHD in women, particularly when inattentive symptoms are primary, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis with anxiety or depression. Dr. Rebecca Chen, the study’s principal investigator, emphasized that many women adopt sophisticated masking strategies that conceal their struggles.

Researchers have developed a gender-inclusive screening protocol, increasing ADHD identification in women by 58% in initial clinical trials. This protocol highlights executive function challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, and the influence of hormonal changes.

Mediterranean Diet Shows Promise for ADHD Symptom Management

Research from the University of Barcelona has reported notable improvements in ADHD symptom management among adults adopting a Mediterranean diet. The randomized controlled trial, which followed 420 adults over six months, compared standard medication with and without dietary interventions.

Participants eating a Mediterranean diet (high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates) experienced a 31% improvement in sustained attention and a 27% reduction in impulsivity relative to those not following the diet. Dr. Elena Martínez, a nutritional neuroscientist involved in the study, stated that results were consistent across both medicated and unmedicated participants.

The researchers clarified that dietary changes should complement, not replace, traditional ADHD treatments. Detailed dietary guidelines developed by the team will be available through healthcare providers from January 2026.

What to Watch: Key Dates and Events

• The World Health Organization will release updated ADHD diagnostic guidelines on 20 December 2025, incorporating new findings on gender, cultural, and age-related differences.
• Harvard Medical School’s annual ADHD and Executive Function Conference will take place from 15 to 17 January 2026, focusing on new treatment approaches and workplace strategies.
• The National Institute of Mental Health will publish data from its five-year ADHD longitudinal study on 1 February 2026, offering insights into long-term outcomes and support systems.
• Registration opens on 16 December 2025 for the virtual “ADHD in the Workplace” summit to be held from 10 to 12 March 2026, bringing together employers, healthcare providers, and advocates to develop neurodivergent-inclusive best practices.

Conclusion

The high rate of undiagnosed ADHD among individuals arrested in London highlights the pressing need for systemic changes in law enforcement and greater ADHD awareness. Ongoing innovations in workplace tools and advances in research on diet and diagnostic equity demonstrate the broad impact of ADHD news for individuals and institutions alike. What to watch: the release of new global diagnostic guidelines on 20 December 2025, Harvard’s conference in January, and new long-term study results from the National Institute of Mental Health in February.