Gayle is a specialist family lawyer with more than 15 years' experience in all areas of family law litigation, both public and private. She represents the full range of clients, including parents and children (whether by their court-appointed guardian or those with independent legal capacity). She has a particular interest in clients who are vulnerable either because of learning disabilities or because of a range of psychological or psychiatric conditions.

Neurodiversity is becoming increasingly recognised across the UK and affects about 20% of the adult population. In this timely and thought-provoking presentation, Gayle looks at how having a diagnosis means people can advocate for their right to reasonable adjustments and the support they need, but that 50% of neurodiverse adults are undiagnosed. She explains neurodiversity and various types of developmental conditions and, crucially, why it is so important to identify these conditions at an early stage in care proceedings. She also looks at new guidance and gives practical examples.

Key words/topics:

ADHD

Autism

Dyslexia

Dyspraxia

Dyscalculia

Tourette’s Syndrome

Family Procedure Rules Part 3A and Practice Direction 3AA

Family Justice Council Guidance on Neurodiversity in the Family Justice System for Practitioners

W v H [2022] EWFC 150 – financial remedies case

D and E (Parent with autism) 2020 EWFC B18