AUTISM
AWARENESS AND DIAGNOSIS –
THE IMPACT ON
COURTS, DIVORCE, AND FAMILY LAW
If you have a special needs child with autism spectrum disorder, this is for you. If you are an attorney or court officer
dealing with a handicapped child with autism, this is for you. We think there have been several recent important developments regarding autism. First – Autism Awareness Day:
Autism Awareness Day 2012
Also, regarding the causes of autism:
New Discoveries in the Hunt for the Causes
of Autism
And, with the most impact on family law attorneys and lawyers, family courts, and parents of special needs who are undergoing a divorce:
Proposed Changes in the Definition of Autism
Regarding the impact of all this on the Courts, divorce, family law, and handicapped children, here are a few words from Jennifer Moore, family Law attorney:
“The discoveries in the causes of autism, and especially the proposed changes in the definition of autism spectrum disorder, will likely cause some confusion for those dealing with persons with autism or other handicaps: social service workers, doctors, teachers, parents and other caregivers, and also the courts, lawyers, and attorneys.
“Parents, educators, social service workers and sometimes lawyers have to work out an IEP or ILP for those with special needs such as autism causes. (IEP = Individualized Education Plan) (ILP = Individualized Living Plan – also known as Independent Living Plan, etc.).
“Parents especially have to be the ‘external brain,’ and the best advocate, for their special needs children as part of the struggle to provide these children, and adults, the best, most productive, loving and fulfilling life they can achieve . Attorneys, parties in family law matters, and even courts, may not understand the implications of the new developments in diagnosing and defining the autism spectrum disorder.
“Lawyers and parents of autistic children have no choice but to become informed and help educate schools, social services, and the courts.”
We hope this is useful to you.
Tom Moore
Office Manager
