Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how brains function and process information, encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive differences. No two neurodivergent individuals experience the world in the same way. Because neurodiversity presents differently in each person, it’s crucial to listen, adapt, and foster a workplace culture that values open dialogue. When employees feel comfortable expressing their needs without fear of stigma, they can perform at their best, unlocking innovation, efficiency, and a more inclusive legal profession for all.

The legal industry is often associated with precision, structure, and tradition, but behind the suits and statutes are individuals with unique ways of thinking, problem-solving, and perceiving the world. In this article, we speak to neurodiverse professionals from across the legal sector who share their experiences navigating a field that hasn’t always embraced cognitive differences. By amplifying their voices, we aim to shed light on what it truly means to be neurodiverse, challenge outdated stigmas, and highlight the immense value of fostering an inclusive workforce. More than just a conversation about diversity, this is a call to recognise individual strengths, provide meaningful support, and create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Chloe Branton – Barrister – Parklane Plowden Chambers

Chloe Branton is a family law practitioner at Parklane Plowden Chambers, having become a tenant in 2020. Chloe’s main practice is in children law, representing a range of clients in both public and private law proceeding, predominantly  across the North Eastern Circuit. Chloe recently became Co-Chair of her circuit’s Neurodiversity Network and hopes to encourage and support neurodiverse practitioners.

How do you identify as neurodivergent, and what does that mean to you personally?

I am both autistic and dyspraxic and identify as neurodivergent. To me, the term neurodiversity simply acknowledges that our brains are unique and can function differently to the neurotypical brain. I don’t think of it as a negative thing, or a purely positive thing. Both unique challenges and opportunities can emerge from seeing the world differently to the neurotypical majority. In my experience, the difficulties usually stem from a lack of understanding by those unfamiliar with neurodiversity rather than any ill-intent.  I have experienced misunderstandings and stereotypes about being an autistic female in particular, but those experiences just motivate me to be open about my diagnoses and to seek to support and  encourage others to do the same.

Have you ever had to mask or suppress aspects of your neurodivergence to fit into certain spaces? How has that impacted you?

‘Masking’ can be both conscious and unconscious suppressing of particular traits or behaviours in order to try and be perceived as fitting within social norms. I was diagnosed in my teens and found I had been masking for most of my childhood, not always knowingly. I personally think women in particular tend to mask whilst at school or in the workforce, which may explain the challenges many can face with being diagnosed. It is understandable to want to try and fit in, but masking can be exhausting. At school, I did well academically but would be so tired from masking all day that I struggled to engage with my peers outside of school. Now as a 27-year old, I make a conscious decision to try not to mask and to live as my authentic self. I think I am a better advocate for it as I am my authentic self and can build rapport with clients and represent them fully without focusing time and energy on trying to be what I consider the ‘perfect’ neurotypical advocate to be. It has increased my self-confidence and energy levels to ‘unmask’ too.

What advice would you give to organisations or individuals who want to be better allies to the neurodivergent community?

Encourage your existing employees/practitioners to be open and honest about their neurodivergence and ensure your recruitment literature emphasises this too. Speak to neurodiverse people directly, don’t just look for resources online. Once you speak to individuals who are neurodiverse you can gain a much better understanding of any barriers or niggles that you can fix, and ensure your chambers, firm or organisation are true supporters and inclusive spaces. That communication, however, is key. Supported employees / members are happy and productive, and will help ensure a collaborative, productive, and supportive work environment. Don’t be afraid to reach out to specific charities and organisations for training for staff but try to do so with neurodivergent colleagues to ensure a tailored and worthwhile piece of training.

Alexander Owen – Business Development Manager – The Global Bar & Global Key Accounts – Legal 500

Alexander is an experienced legal industry professional who has played a key role in shaping the Legal 500 series. He has commercially managed the Bar rankings across EMEA, APAC, and the UK. Alexander has led strategic initiatives to enhance online coverage, assisted with the expansion into Australia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, and played a pivotal role in launching the Legal 500 Bar Awards.

How do you identify as neurodivergent, and what does that mean to you personally? – I am both Dyslexic and ADHD

What are some unique strengths or perspectives that your neurodivergence brings to your life and work? Dyslexia helps me see things in an out of the box way, whilst my ADHD helps me be super-focused on tasks that I am given.

Are there any misconceptions about neurodivergence that you’d like to challenge? Most people think that people with ADHD or dyslexia, lack focus & skill, whereas it is quite the opposite. I find that my dyslexia helps me think outside the box. Whilst my ADHD helps me to be super focused.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced due to a lack of understanding or support for neurodivergence? Not being given certain projects in previous jobs, due to the thought that I’d be too distracted/unfocused to work on them.

Have you ever had to mask or suppress aspects of your neurodivergence to fit into certain spaces? How has that impacted you? Yes, I’ve had to appear more normal than most, and more focused than most ! It impacts me as I always feel as if I have to triple check my grammar and spelling, whilst also making sure I don’t get too distracted.

Are there specific barriers in workplaces, schools, or social settings that you think need urgent change? I feel as if companies should be more open to people with dyslexia and & ADHD. They currently don’t seem to realise that those with neurodivergent minds can think outside of the box better than most, with a hyperfocus. This provides companies a great resource that should be utilised & not demonised.

What changes would you like to see in workplaces, education, or society to make spaces more inclusive for neurodivergent individuals? More understanding & longer observation periods for those with neurodivergent minds. We take a tad longer to get to grip with things, but once the trust and understanding is there, then we really shine & give our all to the companies that look after us.

What’s something someone has done for you (a friend, colleague, teacher, employer) that made you feel truly supported and understood? My mentor at the Legal 500 – Amy McDermott, has always been very supportive of me. She’s really given me the tools that I need to succeed, whilst also being very patient of my neurodivergent mind. She is the perfect mentor in my mind for someone who is neurodivergent.

What’s something about being neurodivergent that brings you joy or makes you feel empowered? I love having a brain that lets me think differently to others, it makes me feel as if I am special. Furthermore my ADHD feels almost like a superpower sometimes. The ability to be hyper focused on one task is a strength in its own right.

Are there any neurodivergent role models or communities that have inspired or uplifted you? Albert Einstein – for a man who was dyslexic, he really advanced our reputation and cause. It doesn’t matter if you are neurodivergent, your ideas and brain are still valuable

If you could send one message to other neurodivergent individuals, what would it be? Be true to yourself. Never change yourself for anyone else. Your mind alone is worth more thank you think & your ability to think outside of the box is something that makes you special.

Georgina Sundown – Marketing & Recruitment Manager – ABC Chambers Solutions

George is a seasoned legal industry professional with over 11 years of experience, within Barristers’ Chambers and Global Law Firms. She provides strategic and tactical BD, marketing & recruitment support to ABC. George has worked across a diverse range of practice areas, including Commercial, Corporate, Family, Criminal, Regulatory, Insurance, and Public Law. Her expertise spans digital marketing, social media and website management, branding, event management, PR, communications, and content creation.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced due to a lack of understanding or support for neurodivergence? I thought everything would change for me when I got diagnosed with ADHD, that a diagnosis was a golden ticket to being fully seen and understood. Being able to express with conviction at last that I had ADHD was definitely a relief, but it didn’t change all that much. For a while, finding out I had ADHD actually made me retreat into myself and mask myself even more. I spent a couple of years exhausted from analysing every thought, action and interaction. I had a major identify crisis – how much of me was my personality and how much of me was my ADHD? Ultimately, I realised that everyone views everything through their own frame of reference and understanding. You could be the best communicator in the world, and people will still interpret what you have to say based on their specific view of the world. You can’t make people think, feel or understand things in the way that you were gunning for, so you may as well stop contorting yourself in different uncomfortable ways in an attempt to be understood. I try and live by this quote from Dita Von Teese – “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”

Are there any neurodivergent role models that have inspired or uplifted you? I don’t have a specific individual in mind, but for me, one of the greatest strengths of ADHD individuals is their eccentricity, their capacity to be themselves and dance to the beat of their own drum. Far too often neurodiverse folk are forced to dull themselves down, change themselves and mask to fit in with the status quo. It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives of having a different brain and focus on the ADHD polarisation of not being able to keep up or do as much as your neurotypical peers vs being superfluous and ‘too much’. For me, the most inspiring neurotypical individuals are the ones who challenge the status quo and are boldly themselves in the face of adversity and judgment. Whilst I recognise that feeling safe to be truly yourself is a unique privilege not afforded by many, I think we can all be inspired and strive to embrace our individuality more fully. Ultimately – “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”!

Are there specific barriers in workplaces that you think need urgent change? A lot of people are ashamed about their neurodivergence or are worried about facing stigma or judgment, so an individual divulging their specific support needs to their employer can be really daunting and challenging. As a manager, it’s important to remember that someone asking for adjustments isn’t doing it to take advantage. They are just trying to create a working environment where they can thrive and prosper, which is beneficial to not only themselves, but ultimately their place of work. Neurodivergent individuals are constantly having to adjust and change themselves to adhere to neurotypical ways of thinking and acting, (and I mean constantly!) so asking for a couple of adjustments shouldn’t be seen as a huge onerous thing. The playing field isn’t level, so even though your knee jerk reaction might be that the adjustments are ‘unfair’ to other employees, it’s important to remember the accommodations that neurodivergent people are doing all the time. We just want to work better together and bring our best selves to work! I am incredibly grateful (and extremely lucky!) to work at ABC where I am trusted to produce work and outputs in a way that not only suits my ways of working but ensures I can thrive and prosper.