Since we launched back in 2015, the NPAA has been committed to supporting a range of hidden conditions as well as autism, and to promoting the concept of neurodiversity – difference of thought – in the police service. We believe that the ability to think differently is vital to solve the problems of 21st century policing, and if our mailbox is anything to go by, we’re not the only ones: it’s looking like 2017 will be the year that neurodiversity starts to achieve widespread recognition.

Our web forum is already used by our growing member base to discuss a wide range of topics, and we felt that the time was right for a change of name. We’re therefore pleased to announce that our NPAA forum is now the Police Neurodiversity Forum. Regular visitors will notice that we’ve added folders covering specific conditions, including a new area to discuss mental health and wellbeing. The forum has always been fully searchable (if you’ve never used it, give it a try), and we hope that it will become the ‘go-to’ resource for neurodiversity within policing and criminal justice.

A reminder that our forum isn’t just for police officers and volunteers – other organisations including Government agencies, academic establishments and support groups are also welcome. Click on the Membership page for more details.