Frances Harris – ‘the importance of recognising autism early in public law proceedings’.

Frances Harris, in her latest publication, debunks the myths surrounding autism and highlights the importance of early identification of autism, whether for parents or children, in public law children proceedings.

The Family Law Journal (Issue 10, 2023) have recently published an article written by Frances Harris that aims to explain what autism is, and what it isn’t. Frances encourages practitioners to recognise the importance of early identification of autism within proceedings and the myriad of benefits that can flow from doing so.

Frances has a wealth of experience in public law cases and has previously acted in behalf of parents, Local Authorities and Children’s Guardians. Frances has extensive experience in dealing with cases where autism is a relevant factor and has recently completed a post graduate certificate in autism.

With this experience in mind, Frances is keen to encourage practitioners to have autism firmly on their radars, especially when conducting public law proceedings. Frances’s article flags the prevalence of autism within care proceedings and highlights the importance of identifying issues of neurodivergence early within proceedings.

The full article can be read here: ‘Think Autism!’: the importance and impact of early identification of autistic parents and children within public law children proceedings (familylaw.co.uk)

If you would like any further information on this area of law or assistance with proceedings then please do not hesitate to contact our clerks on clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk