An international firm has pledged up to £3,000 for each staff member to access specialist neurodiversity assessment and support.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, which has around 60 staff at its London office, claims to be one of a handful of UK firms to provide such a dedicated initiative.

Eligible employees will be able to book private appointments with a designated GP clinic, with the firm covering the costs. The firm will also reimburse the cost of a further appointment for anyone referred to a specialist and offer time off for people to attend in person.

The package also comes with a commitment to providing comprehensive workplace support for those managing neurodivergent conditions.

Nadia Barazi, partner and head of diversity and inclusion, said: ‘It is estimated that one in seven people are neurodivergent, and it is essential that neurodiversity doesn’t act as a barrier to success. 

Nadia Barazi

Nadia Barazi

‘That is why we are so pleased to be able to offer this important support package, keeping pace with recent developments in understanding how neurodiversity can impact individuals at work.

‘As importantly, the package will serve as the bedrock that upholds a culture of greater awareness and understanding of the various practices and policies needed to ensure everyone is able to reach their full potential.’

Pillsbury’s London office specialises in the technology, energy and financial sectors.

Law firms have increased their commitment to adapting workplace conditions for neurodivergent staff, but there appear to still be several gaps where people do not feel supported or are unwilling to say that they are neurodivergent.

A survey carried out by not-for-profit group Neurodiversikey this year found that more than three-quarters of neurodivergent lawyers have not disclosed their condition to employers to avoid discrimination.

Almost half of respondents said they had experienced discrimination in relation to their neurotype in legal education and training, increasing to 64% for dyslexic legal professionals.

Around 40% had been refused or not provided reasonable adjustments during their legal education and training. A similar proportion of legal professionals said they had been denied reasonable adjustments in the workplace.