It is pleasing to see that in more recent times there have been some attempts made to identify how lawyers can better support the needs of autistic clients. I believe this is a positive move in the right direction, however, in my view, there is still so much more which can and should be done to achieve greater awareness in this area.
I recently asked my son what the one thing he wishes neurotypical people knew about him and he replied, “Just because I’m autistic it does not mean there is something wrong with me!”. Whilst I am understandably very proud of his response, it also saddens me that this is the way he feels and more likely than not, how many autistic children and adults in our community feel as well.
When I think of the myriad of challenges my son faces every single day it should come as no surprise why, by the end of his school day he is exhausted.
We tend to conclude that life is about ‘give and take’ yet I cannot help but feel there is so much more which we could give through making simple reasonable adjustments which would have such a positive impact for both autistic adults and children. So, in my professional capacity as a Family Law Solicitor what reasonable adjustments do I make to assist my autistic clients?
In answer to this question, I have provided some bullet points, however, I wish to make clear this list is by no means exhaustive, and one size does not fit all:
The above is only a small selection of the many changes which could and should be put in place when our autistic clients engage in the services of a Lawyer.
My parting advice would be to not ever generalise or make assumptions about the needs of your client and of fundamental importance is making sure that all of our clients feel safe, supported, understood and crucially respected.
Kelly Pougher, Director and Founder of Pougher-Round Solicitors has a wealth of personal and professional experience in dealing with the complex issue arising in the breakdown of relationships involving children and families connected with Autism. Malvern House, New Road, Solihull. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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