This week we are supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
So, what is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is a word used to explain the unique ways in which people’s brains work. The NHS website describes Neurodiversity as ‘the population as a whole and recognises the diversity of different brains. Neurotypical describes most of the population the majority group that expresses themselves in ways that are seen as the societal “norm”. Neurodivergent describes the minority group that diverts neurologically from said “norm”. This is estimated to be 1 in 7 people, although with an increase in awareness and late diagnosis this in likely to be higher.
Neurodivergent conditions include Autism/Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/ Variable Attention Stimulus Trait (VAST), Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) as well as many other conditions.
Neurodivergence is classed as a disability, although some neurodivergent people do not identify as disabled but need support to live in a neurotypical society.’
I have spoken with members of the family team in preparation of Neurodiversity week and asked them what Neurodiversity means to them.
Lisa Dawson (Head of the Family Team) said; “Neurodiversity is the concept that all humans vary in terms of our neurocognitive ability. Everyone has both talents and things they struggle with. However, for some people the variation between those strengths and challenges is more pronounced.”
Anna Cross (Legal Director in the Family Team said; “When I think of neurodiversity, I think of my nephew and everything that he has struggled with and how people who don’t know him often jump to the wrong conclusion. On a professional level, neurodiversity doesn’t mean having a weakness, it is understanding that neurodiverse clients and colleagues see things differently and we need to be considerate about this.”
Samantha Chase (Associate in the Family team) said “Neurodiversity for me means an individual who is unique and who processes the world around them or learns in a different way to the societal standard of what is considered ‘typical’. It is an umbrella term used when referring to the Autistic Person or those who have ADHD ADD or are Dyslexic for example.”
Kieran Knight (Apprentice in the Family team) said; “Neurodiversity is about the differences that make everyone individual and unique. It is about how people process life experiences.”
For me, Neurodiversity is a word I use to describe my son who has a diagnosis of Autism, ADD and Anxiety. Like Anna describes, I have experienced first-hand, society judging our son, without understanding him or his additional needs and having any context to him as a whole person. I also now see the world differently, as I try and see the world through his lens. I admire his honesty. When we go on a family walk, he will see so much more than I do when looking at a flower, a tree or a cloud and it is truly beautiful. At work, being my son’s mother has helped me work with clients who are autistic, or are raising an autistic child, and it has allowed me to bring my own personal experience of autism to serve these clients in a way that meets their legal and personal needs.
Neurodiversity looks like this:
In the family team at Ellisons we have all had training from Autism Anglia and have an understanding of Neurodiversity which means we are equipped to understand that our surroundings may need to be adjusted for the autistic client, and that also the advice may need to be tailored in a way that meets the specific client’s needs.
As a team we were delighted that the Family Justice Council has recently released guidance to help the Neurodiverse navigate the family justice system. When reading the guidance, it was reassuring to see that the family team at Ellisons are implementing the guidance released in January 2025 already and have been for several years. It was very encouraging to read that neurodiversity has come to the forefront of the Family Justice Council’s discussions, and that there is acknowledgement that change needs to be implemented to provide certainty, clarity and indeed justice within the family justice system for the neurodiverse individual.
If you are a neurodiverse individual, or suspect that you are, and are going through a separation, divorce, or have been the victim of domestic abuse, please feel free to contact us on 01206 71968. We offer a free exploratory call with our lead expert MaryCarmel Wilson, who has specific experience in relation to assisting the neurodiverse client and clients with neurodiverse children or an ex-partner. If you have children who have a SEN diagnosis, and you require bespoke advice in relation to their needs, MaryCarmel Wilson can provide you with tailored advice, specific to the child (or children’s) individual and complex needs.
