Screening, barriers and adjustments

Screening for neurodiversity means listening to your client to help identify their specific and individual needs.  If they have a diagnosis, it might be helpful for you read this.  If they do not have a diagnosis, they may be assisted by completing the All About Me document

Adjustments to overcome barriers should be tailored to the individual needs of the participant clients and any children. Although there are adjustments which can be generally helpful, like taking regular breaks, a one-size fits all approach should be avoided as it can lead to necessary adjustments being overlooked and unnecessary or unhelpful adjustments being put in place. 

All parties and the professionals involved in the dispute resolution process will need to agree to the adjustments which are to be made. If these cannot be agreed, suitability for a particular form of NCDR may be impacted . Agreement about the barriers faced and adjustments to be made will be set out in the agreement of process.

The majority of adjustments will be straightforward, simple and many will already be familiar to practitioners however, sometimes creative thinking will be needed. 

Some examples of common barriers and possible adjustments can be found below. These are  suggestions and not exhaustive list. 

    • Speaking slowly / softly/ carefully

    • Being careful with tone

    • Using shorter sentences with only a few key words.

    • Using written communication at key junctures, for instance to reinforce agreed issues

    • Checking understanding of information shared verbally

    • Avoid metaphor and use language carefully

    • Avoid closed questions

    • For written communication adjust font/ colour/ background to suit participants needs

    • Ensure any forms or instructions are appropriately adjusted as above

    • If necessary longer sessions with regular rest breaks and a slower pace of information exchange

    • Relaying information orally when possible;

    • Using text to speech software;

    • Having a trusted person to read written material out loud;

    • Checking understanding of written material;

    • Allowing plenty of time to digest written material and respond to it;

    • Using recordings instead of written material where possible

    • Producing written material differently for instance in a particular font or with coloured text or a coloured background.

    • Be explicit about what is expected in each situation.

    • Be careful with reliance on body language to communicate. Use direct verbal communication

    • Do not expect eye contact or misinterpret lack of eye contact

    • Sit side by side in conversations, rather than facing one another.

    • Allow extra time to get used familiarise with everyone involved in the process

    • Allow extra time before NCDR begins to acclimatise and understand process.

    • Encourage support from a professional or trusted adult to collate financial information

    • Presenting financial information or offers in a way that makes it easier to understand and digest (i.e. pie charts or diagrams);

    • More time to consider and respond to offers.

    •  More time to make offers.

    • Allow regular breaks

    • Allow stretch breaks

    • Think about seating / standing arrangements

    • Make sessions shorter

    • Consider fidget tools

    • Understand that drumming fingers or tapping a foot is not frustration but a way to maintain concentration and allowing the use of any stimming behaviours (these are usually repetitive physical actions which can help someone to feel calm or focussed).

    • Have sessions at a particular time of day if that helps with remaining focussed

    • Agree a process to request additional breaks.

    • Consider space and remove any overwhelming sensory distractions eg a loudly ticking clock;

    • Use a room where other people will not be passing down corridors or by windows;

    • Use a quiet and calm space.

    • Check lighting / avoid fluorescent light . try to use natural / yellow light

    • Adjust temperature

    • Keep to familiar spaces/ allow adjustment time if changes are necessary

    • Allow participants to see the space and seek appropriate adjustments in advance

    • Draw up a list or timeline of the stages involved in the process making it clear who will do what and when – The roadmap.

    • Make it clear in advance if there needs to be any changes to this list or timeline.

    • Set expectations about the start and finish dates;

    • Set session dates at the start of the process

    • Allow familiarisation time / opportunities in advance of the process

    • Clarify roles clearly

    • Make sure the AOP is completely clear and sufficiently detailed