Autistic & Fighting For Justice - I Need Legal Support
Donation protected
Hi, I’m Karen. I’m an autistic woman, and I’m fighting an employment tribunal case.
I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD three years ago at 44. Since then, I’ve worked hard to navigate a world that wasn’t built for people like me. For almost a year, I’ve done everything I can to sort this out the right way. I’ve followed every step, I’ve stayed professional, and I’ve tried to handle it quietly. But things started to go wrong.
At this stage, I’m purposely not mentioning why, because I’ve had to make an adjustment to my claim, and until that is confirmed, I want to be careful about what I share. What I can say is that this is a disability discrimination case, and I’ve had no choice but to take it to tribunal.
I have been working non-stop on my own, trying to make sense of an overwhelming process while navigating the legal system. Anyone who has been through this knows how fast things can move once you reach this stage. I had to submit my claim when I did due to strict time constraints and because all other processes had failed. I let the Trust know in advance, for transparency, because of my autism. I also made them aware of my Royal photography. I communicate quite openly, and again, I am scared that my openness will be used against me.
I have done absolutely everything I can to avoid this, but we are here now. And because I understand how quickly things can escalate, I know that I don’t want anyone else controlling my narrative. I do not have learning disabilities but I am autistic, I have ADHD, and I have other conditions alongside that which make me more vulnerable and although I didn’t want to do this, I won’t be intimidated.
Some of you may recognise the attached image of the Royal Family. That’s my Fab Four pic, an image taken by me. Because of that photo and other images and videos I have taken since, most of which have been shared in the press, there is potential that my case might attract some attention. I want to have the opportunity to post a video about my experience, but before I do, I need to make sure I get everything right legally. This is not from the Royal photo point of view, but if my case does end up in the public eye, I want to be able to explain my side of things properly.
My aim is not financial gain. What matters to me is that people know the truth. There are things that have happened that I believe the public has a right to know, particularly when it comes to neurodiversity in the workplace, especially within the NHS. I hope my case can encourage open, truthful discussion and push for real change. I have no problem with my Fab Four photo being used alongside my other images to help raise awareness of my fight for neurodivergent workers’ rights.
I had a 15-year career in the NHS. I was proud of that. I loved my job. I adored it. I finally found my place, and for anyone on the autism spectrum, or with any other neurodivergence, they will tell you, when you have the ability to work, and find a place where you feel you can make a real difference for just being yourself it is incredibly rewarding, precious and worth fighting for.
And now it’s gone.
For the first time since my daughter was young, I have had to apply for benefits in order to survive, trying to rebuild my life. I don’t have my job, and I don’t have financial security. But what I do have is my voice, and I will use it.
Because of the connection I have to that photo and the visibility it has given me, my case may get some attention. But at this point, I want to stay focused on the matter at hand. I was already in the process of combining my story and experiences, and that will still happen, but that’s a couple of years away now, because I have been dealing with this case for nearly a year.
Right now, I need to protect myself legally before I say anything publicly.
Why I Need Help
Before I speak publicly, I need to make sure I’m legally protected.
I need proper legal advice so my vulnerabilities don’t get taken advantage of.
I need:
• A solicitor to fight my case against a highly reputable legal team.
Quote from email: fixed fee basis of £1,000 plus VAT (£1,200 in total). The idea would be that you would pay this sum in advance, and we would do such work for you in terms of assessing your case, advising you and preparing initial documentation as was necessary.
• An independent psychiatric assessment because the tribunal requires one.
Looking into prices
Right now, I have nothing but myself. They have a well-respected legal team, I have me and now am asking for YOUR help.
I’m asking for £1 or a share. That’s it. I just need enough to get the right legal support before I speak out.
Please know, I feel ashamed and embarrassed asking for your help so please know how grateful I am to you in advance. If you would like to follow my journey (I can’t promise it’s going to be riveting viewing) please see my first YouTube video:
Thank you for reading and supporting me
Karen
Organizer
Karen Murdoch
Organizer
England