Request for Qualified Autistic Advocate as Professional Witness in Family Court Case
Background: I am seeking a qualified Autistic Advocate to provide professional witness support in an upcoming family court hearing. This case involves significant misinterpretations of my autistic traits and behaviors, which have been wrongly construed as coercive, controlling, and aggressive. My formal diagnosis of High-Functioning Autism was only confirmed after the original fact-finding hearing, where the court failed to recognise the impact of my diagnosed autism on my communication and responses during periods of emotional distress.
The evidence presented in court included phone recordings of my communication with my ex-spouse. These recordings captured autistic meltdowns and blunt communication patterns, which were misinterpreted as abusive. These are, in fact, textbook characteristics of autism under stress. My ex-spouse, a trained ABA consultant, was fully aware of my autistic traits and used this understanding to provoke and record these interactions, later presenting them out of context as evidence against me.
Purpose of the Advocate: The advocate's role would be to:
-
Educate the Court: Provide expert insight into how autism can affect emotional regulation, communication, and responses to perceived threats or stress, especially when diagnosed.
-
Address Misconceptions: Help the court understand that behaviors described in the judgment, such as speaking bluntly, mimicking others, or reacting with distress during overwhelming situations, align with my autistic diagnosis rather than any malicious intent.
-
Promote Autism Awareness: Advocate for a broader understanding within the family court system regarding how autism can be manipulated or misunderstood in high-conflict cases. This case has the potential to serve as a learning opportunity for judges and legal professionals who may encounter similar situations in the future.
Why This Matters: The misinterpretation of autism in family court settings can have severe, life-altering consequences for autistic parents. By involving an advocate, we aim not only to support my case but also to contribute to a growing body of knowledge that ensures future cases are approached with greater understanding and sensitivity.
If you are a qualified Autistic Advocate with experience in providing court support or you know someone who is, please reach out. Together, we can help the court see beyond the surface behaviors to the neurological reality that drives them.
Thank you for your consideration.
