This chapter summarises the findings from relevant national and international research studies exploring neurodevelopmental impairment among young people who offend and describes the potential role of these disorders in developmental pathways for the onset of antisocial behaviour. In particular, we consider the increased exposure to social and environmental risk for offending resulting from neurodevelopmental impairment and disabling and criminalising processes that these young people are subjected to, including within the criminal justice system. Dismantling these barriers requires recognition, understanding, resources and awareness. Age-appropriate accommodations are needed to ensure that children affected by impairments have their rights respected, protected and fulfilled in criminal proceedings.

This chapter discusses the rights of vulnerable groups (such as women, children, persons with a disability and elderly persons) and group rights as protected by the European Convention on Human Rights, other Council of Europe instruments, in EU law and in international instruments. For the various rights, a short comparison between the different instruments is made.