Redcar firm, Cygnet Law, has launched a dedicated neurodiversity aware service, following specialist training, aiming to increase support available to neurodivergent clients and their families.
In collaboration with local charity Daisy Chain, who support autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults and their families, the firm received specialist training, following an increase in neurodivergent clients and parents with additional needs accessing the firm’s family law services.
Stacey Phoenix, head of family law at Cygnet Law, said: “Through our work in Family Law, we’ve seen an increase in the number of clients who are neurodivergent or have additional needs, particularly parents and children involved in care proceedings.
“We wanted to do more than simply recognise these challenges. We wanted to make sure our teams had the right training, knowledge and resources to provide meaningful support.
“By establishing this service, we’re giving clients the reassurance that they can come to us, speak openly about their needs and know that we have the understanding and skills to adapt.”
The service aims to support clients with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence, allowing for adjustments for individual needs, including adjustments may include alternative communication methods, additional time during appointments, accessible formats for legal information and movement breaks or sensory tools.
The firm’s family law team has also undertaken specialist advocacy training and training with agencies that offer third party support with advocates and intermediaries within the court arena, helping colleagues recognise communication difficulties and adapt their approach when supporting individuals involved in legal proceedings.
Amber Lockett, solicitor within Cygnet Law’s family department, said: “As someone who represents parents and children in care proceedings, I recognise that some people need extra support when it comes to engaging, communicating and understanding information about their proceedings.
“It is fundamental that everyone involved in care proceedings can understand the process and does not feel disadvantaged due to their neurodivergence.
“I am proud to be helping lead this change and to be part of a team that is trained to represent autistic and neurodivergent clients, playing our part in making sure they are properly represented and listened to.
“The training we have received was thorough and detailed and has allowed us to make changes to our service in the best interests of those who need it. By extending this approach across all departments, we are now equipped with the skills to better support our clients and will be putting these into practice to make a difference.”
