Neurodiversity in the news

Neurodiversity in business news

1. UK employers recognising neurodivergent talent as a competitive advantage

A Financial Times investigation found that neurodiversity-friendly job adverts in the UK have increased six-fold since 2019. Despite this, only around 31% of autistic adults are in employment. Companies like CubeLynx have shown that basic adjustments like noise-cancelling headphones and flexible working make a real difference to productivity and retention.

2. Neurodivergent professionals shown to be more productive

According to The Times, research suggests that neurodivergent staff can be up to 30% more productive than neurotypical peers. But traditional workplace practices, like small talk and open-plan offices, still create barriers. Some firms are now rethinking hiring and team dynamics.

3. Major employers offering staff neurodiversity assessments

In 2024, firms like BlackRock, Abrdn and Fidelity International introduced ADHD, autism and dyslexia assessments as part of their staff healthcare packages. This shift signals a growing move towards early support and normalisation of neurodivergence in corporate spaces.

4. Neurodiversity Employers Index 2025 opens for registration

The Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index®, launched in 2024, lets firms showcase their neuroinclusion practices. Applications for its 2025 cohort opened on 23 June 2025. You can choose to participate publicly or privately and use it to benchmark your organisation.

5. JPMorgan Chase scales up its neurodiversity hiring programme

JPMC’s programme, which began as a four-person pilot in 2015, now spans more than ten business lines globally. Job roles include software engineering, business analysis, operations and more. The firm works with specialists to ensure inclusive interview processes.

7. UK employers under pressure to improve neuroinclusion

Lexology reports that UK firms in 2025 are being scrutinised on how they support ADHD, autism, dyslexia and more. Cultural inclusion, reasonable adjustments and recruitment strategy are now in sharp focus.

8. Global firms tap neurodivergent talent as a ‘highly skilled’ workforce

Business Insider reports that companies like Bank of America, Dell, Microsoft and SAP have launched programmes employing skilled neurodivergent staff, boosting productivity. For instance, Dell employs dozens in support roles once outsourced, and a startup in the U.S. military data sector now achieves 97 per cent accuracy.

9. Microsoft Neurodiversity Hiring Programme continues to grow

Microsoft’s global hiring programme supports candidates through a tailored recruitment process that emphasises preparation, cultural fit and showcasing unique strengths. Roles include software engineers and related tech positions.

10. 2025 Neurodiversity Index highlights progress and gaps

The City & Guilds Foundation’s 2025 Neurodiversity Index Report shows how organisations are progressing and where more work is needed. It offers recommendations based on real-world examples and insights.

Law firm specific

1. Geldards pairs with NeuroUniverse

In February 2025, Geldards teamed up with NeuroUniverse to deliver training and advice on supporting neurodivergent staff and reducing disability discrimination. This partnership reflects a rise in tribunal claims, with 102 cases in 2024 citing neurodiversity—a 46% increase from 2020—highlighting the need for early, practical support .

2.Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman funds ND assessments

In May 2024, Pillsbury became one of the few UK firms to offer up to £3,000 per employee to cover specialist neurodiversity assessments and follow-up support. The initiative also includes time off for appointments and workplace support plans .

3. Browne Jacobson launches Neurodiversity Network

Browne Jacobson set up a firm-wide neurodiversity network in 2023, following its existing disability forum. The network has run awareness sessions, family conversations during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and offers pre-visit support and breakout spaces for events .

4. Legal Neurodiversity Network report

The Legal Neurodiversity Network (launched 2022, backed by law societies and magic circle firms) published a guide in May 2024. It stresses retaining and progressing neurodivergent staff, advising firms to rethink working culture and recruitment processes .

5. TLT launches neurodiversity support network and package

TLT has introduced its sixth employee network to support neurodivergent colleagues. The firm now offers fully funded assessments, diagnostics and post-diagnosis support—not only for staff but also for their partners and children. This package includes expert training in collaboration with Business Disability Forum  .

6. Freshfields co-founds the Legal Neurodiversity Network and supports the Buckland Review

Freshfields’ Head of Risk Management, James Smither, co-founded the Legal Neurodiversity Network in 2023. By Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025, the network had over 90 law firms and approximately 400 members, hosting regular knowledge-sharing sessions  . Freshfields also contributed to the UK government’s Buckland Review on autism employment, helping drive policy change  .

7. Herbert Smith Freehills unveils ‘Ability Network’

This global firm launched its ‘Ability Network’, providing a formal space for neurodivergent individuals to connect and influence firm culture. It emphasises meaningful conversations and inclusive workplace practices  .

8. Ashfords highlights neurodiversity through trainee-led stories

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025, Ashfords’ neurodiversity group featured trainee Philippa Deemer’s personal story of ADHD and the firm’s internal support system  . The firm also ran awareness events, prompting open conversation and understanding.