{"id":20397,"date":"2025-04-16T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/?p=20397"},"modified":"2025-12-17T14:28:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:28:41","slug":"family-justice-council-neurodiversity-guidance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodmanray.com\/fr\/news\/2025\/04\/family-justice-council-neurodiversity-guidance\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide du Conseil de justice familiale pour l'accompagnement des personnes neurodivergentes dans le syst\u00e8me de justice familiale"},"content":{"rendered":"

Le Family Justice Council<\/a> has recently published essential guidance on neurodiversity for legal practitioners<\/a> within the Family Justice System. This guidance aims to deal with barriers faced by neurodiverse individuals in family proceedings, improve access to justice, and assist in aiding a fair trial. With an estimated 15% of the population being neurodivergent, a figure which the Family Justice Council predicts to be even greater amongst Family Justice System users, this guidance was much needed. You can find a copy of the guidance ici<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is neurodivergence?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Family Justice Council define neurodivergence as a term used to describe the natural differences in the way people\u2019s brains function, particularly when processing information, organising behaviour, and performing certain sensory tasks. People whose brains work in a more typical way, are rereferred to as neurotypical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples of common neurodivergent conditions are Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attentions Deficit Disorder (ADD), Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Tourette\u2019s, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Dysgraphia. It is not uncommon for a neurodivergent individual to present with more than one of these conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is the Family Justice Council’s guidance on neurodiversity so important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Family Justice Council highlight the importance of recognising that neurodivergent people face an extra layer of difficulty during Family Proceedings. During a time that is already incredibly stressful for neurotypical people, neurodiverse people experience elevated stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neurodivergent people are likely to experience greater difficulty when undergoing cross-examination, when giving evidence and may struggle to process what is being asked of them. They are also more likely to struggle to stay engaged throughout proceedings, and as a result of stigma and stereotypes, the evidence they give may be more likely to be misinterpreted. This demonstrates the cruciality of the guidance produced by the Family Justice Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Family Justice Council’s guidance on neurodiversity?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Below is a summary of the guidance provided by the Family Justice Council:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Looking out for neurodivergence<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

At the earliest stage, practitioners should consider whether someone may be neurodivergent. If someone has an existing diagnosis, with the individual\u2019s consent, the practitioners should gather further relevant information from experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is no diagnosis, the Family Justice Council provides a series of key questions to ask that relate to learning, attention, anxiety, communication and sensory issues, to help understand a person\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Is further information needed?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Step 2 involves further information gathering from health experts, education and social services, with the person\u2019s consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this stage it is also beneficial to consider if an assessment for neurodivergence is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: What barriers is this person facing?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 requires legal practitioners to consider what barriers this person may face in relation to the Family Justice System. They should consider barriers away from the court, at court generally, and when giving evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practitioners should review these barriers with the person to see if they agree. It may also be necessary to get an external assessment, as not all neurodiverse individuals have insight into their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: What adjustments are needed to overcome these barriers?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Practitioners should recognise that there are a wide range of adjustments, and a one size fits all approach is not appropriate. Practitioners should draw up a list of potential adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Family Justice Council list some common adjustments as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n