I am New Zealand’s first Asperger’s Lawyer, as well as a Parliamentary Candidate from the General Election in September last. (Under our political system, if enough people leave Parliament, I could still become an MP in the next 3 years, though this is extremely unlikely). I proudly represent AS people, and have built a reputation doing so in NZ, including the infamous ‘lightbulb case’ in Christchurch after the earthquake.
I am writing after your article on DLA. You see, I am in the process of returning to the UK (my UK passport application goes off today as if I use my NZ passport, I have to buy a return ticket). You seem to know some Aspie friendly Lawyers, and I am trying to find some. I need firstly to ask which Inns of Court would be most supportive of AS people.
Also, way back in the 90s, I was on DLA for ADHD. I have done similar work in NZ (though things are not nearly as bad here as they are back home), and am minded to see if I can earn a living doing DLA cases perhaps, along with my usual criminal and employment law. I also do personal injury law, but please do not take that the wrong way. In NZ, we cannot litigate as you can in the UK. We have the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) who deals with personal injury treatment and support, as such, I am an ACC lawyer, representing claimants against the Government. I am no ambulance chaser, and am concerned that too many Lawyers are making us Brits into victims, demanding money for unavoidable mishaps. (The latest one around claiming for falling ill on holiday is beyond belief!) The point is, are there Lawyers doing this type of work, are they AS friendly, and even better, are any of them on the Spectrum? This is part of my research. 🙂
Hi Simon, well the blog post on whether Asperger’s is a disability or not, was about the definition of Asperger’s/HFA as a disability in law, not specifically DLA. DLA was mentioned as a point/comparison. Unfortunately I am unable to recommend an autism-friendly or even autism-aware inns of court or solicitors as to date I have not come across any (despite contacting several). This is tragically the case even with ones who list themselves on the NAS website! I’m unsure where I gave an impression I was aware of any, what I posted is my thoughts and the research I have done. If you do find any, please do let me know! Good luck on your return to the UK.
Planet Autism, your blog is currently included on our Actually Autistic Blogs List (anautismobserver.wordpress.com). Please click on the “How do you want your blog listed?” link at the top of that site to personalize your blog’s description.
Thank you.
Judy (An Autism Observer)
Planet Autism Blog 
Hello
I am New Zealand’s first Asperger’s Lawyer, as well as a Parliamentary Candidate from the General Election in September last. (Under our political system, if enough people leave Parliament, I could still become an MP in the next 3 years, though this is extremely unlikely). I proudly represent AS people, and have built a reputation doing so in NZ, including the infamous ‘lightbulb case’ in Christchurch after the earthquake.
I am writing after your article on DLA. You see, I am in the process of returning to the UK (my UK passport application goes off today as if I use my NZ passport, I have to buy a return ticket). You seem to know some Aspie friendly Lawyers, and I am trying to find some. I need firstly to ask which Inns of Court would be most supportive of AS people.
Also, way back in the 90s, I was on DLA for ADHD. I have done similar work in NZ (though things are not nearly as bad here as they are back home), and am minded to see if I can earn a living doing DLA cases perhaps, along with my usual criminal and employment law. I also do personal injury law, but please do not take that the wrong way. In NZ, we cannot litigate as you can in the UK. We have the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) who deals with personal injury treatment and support, as such, I am an ACC lawyer, representing claimants against the Government. I am no ambulance chaser, and am concerned that too many Lawyers are making us Brits into victims, demanding money for unavoidable mishaps. (The latest one around claiming for falling ill on holiday is beyond belief!) The point is, are there Lawyers doing this type of work, are they AS friendly, and even better, are any of them on the Spectrum? This is part of my research. 🙂
Anyway. I was wondering what your thoughts were?
Thanks
Simon
Hi Simon, well the blog post on whether Asperger’s is a disability or not, was about the definition of Asperger’s/HFA as a disability in law, not specifically DLA. DLA was mentioned as a point/comparison. Unfortunately I am unable to recommend an autism-friendly or even autism-aware inns of court or solicitors as to date I have not come across any (despite contacting several). This is tragically the case even with ones who list themselves on the NAS website! I’m unsure where I gave an impression I was aware of any, what I posted is my thoughts and the research I have done. If you do find any, please do let me know! Good luck on your return to the UK.
Planet Autism, your blog is currently included on our Actually Autistic Blogs List (anautismobserver.wordpress.com). Please click on the “How do you want your blog listed?” link at the top of that site to personalize your blog’s description.
Thank you.
Judy (An Autism Observer)