ORAL EVIDENCE
By Nicola Laver and Nicola Laver
An autistic mother was allowed to give oral evidence in family proceedings by typing answers in real time to written questions put to her while in the witness box. In C (Children: Welfare) (No 2) [2020] EWFC B36, her typed answer was read out before going onto amended or additional questions. While going through this process, the mother wore headphones playing white noise to minimise any distracting or distressing stimuli. The judge described the innovative approach as 'highly successful', enabling the mother to fully participate. 24 August 2020