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Bury SM, Zulla R, Spoor JR, Flower RL, Nicholas DB, Hedley D. An ecological systems model of employee experience in industry-led autism employment programmes. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1457-1470. [PMID: 38551173 PMCID: PMC11134994 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241241574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT We asked 33 autistic adults from two industry-led employment programmes about their experiences in the programmes. These are programmes started by companies to recruit and support autistic people in work. We also asked about their workplace supports, relationships and how they thought the programme had impacted their life. Understanding the experiences of people in these industry-led employment programmes is important as the information can help to improve the programmes and participants' experiences. After reviewing the interviews, we found five themes that best described the employee's experience: (1) working involves multiple job tasks that evolve as the employment context changes; (2) relationships in the workplace are diverse and are influenced by the type of work participants do and the work environment; (3) workplace needs change as the autistic employees learn to navigate their work environment; (4) autistic employees develop a professional identity in the workplace as they master work and feel more integrated in the workplace; and (5) recommendations for the development of supportive workplace environments for autistic people. We explored the way that aspects of the two employment programmes (e.g. training) and factors outside the programme changed with time and contributed to the participant's experience. We developed a new model to capture individual and workplace factors that contribute to the experience of autistic people who participate in industry employment programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosslynn Zulla
- University of Calgary, Canada
- University of Alberta, Canada
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2
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Southey S, Morris R, Nicholas D, Pilatzke M. Autistic Perspectives on Employment: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2024:10.1007/s10926-023-10163-x. [PMID: 38326702 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inclusive recruitment and employment of autistic adults has garnered recent attention in research and policy. To address a need to better understand the experiences of autistic adults in relation to paid employment, we asked the literature, what are the experiences of autistic individuals (from their perspectives) in competitive employment? METHODS A scoping review was conducted to summarize and consolidate the findings across research to date. A systematic search and screen of the literature resulted in 32 relevant studies. FINDINGS Key study characteristics, participant demographics, and thematic findings are shared, along with considerations and recommendations for future research and practice. Six key themes were described by autistic participants across the 32 studies: (1) accessibility of employment, (2) workplace relationships and communication, (3) role alignment, (4) sensory needs and/or mental health, (5) colleagues' knowledge and beliefs about autism, and (6) family and community context. CONCLUSION It is anticipated that the results of this review will be beneficial for stakeholders engaging in discussions and decision-making across research and employment contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Southey
- Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- The Redpath Centre, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Rae Morris
- School of Social Work, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Rae Morris Counselling Group, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David Nicholas
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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3
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Teborg S, Hünefeld L, Gerdes TS. Exploring the working conditions of disabled employees: a scoping review. J Occup Med Toxicol 2024; 19:2. [PMID: 38291467 PMCID: PMC10826256 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-023-00397-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Disabled people are often overlooked in considerations about work design, which contributes to their exclusion from the labor market. This issue also reflects within research, as the body of knowledge on the working conditions of disabled employees remains relatively limited. METHODS A scoping review was conducted to assess the research landscape concerning the working conditions of disabled employees. Five databases have been searched, focusing on relevant studies published between 2017 and 2022. RESULTS One hundred fourteen studies were included in the review. It was found that social aspects of work appeared within a substantial portion of the examined studies. Furthermore, it became evident that the interplay of accessibility and flexibility provides an important dynamic to make work design both inclusive and feasible. CONCLUSION The recurrent prominence of social aspects, accessibility, and flexibility across the studies shows common challenges and potentials within the work situation of disabled employees. This suggests avenues for future research and inclusive work design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Teborg
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Unit 1.2 Monitoring Working Conditions, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Lena Hünefeld
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Unit 1.2 Monitoring Working Conditions, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tomke S Gerdes
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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Tomczak MT, Ziemiański P. Autistic Employees' Technology-Based Workplace Accommodation Preferences Survey-Preliminary Findings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5773. [PMID: 37239501 PMCID: PMC10218232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been an increase in the number of research studies focused on the design of accommodations aimed at improving the well-being and work performance of autistic employees. These accommodations took various forms; some of them were based on modification of management practices, for example, support in the area of effective communication, or involved modifications to the physical working environment aimed at limiting sensory vulnerabilities. Many of these solutions were based on digital technology. METHODS This quantitative research aimed to learn about the opinions of the autistic respondents as potential end users and their assessment of the proposed solutions within four main challenge areas: (1) effective communication; (2) time management, task prioritizing, and organization of work; (3) stress management and emotion control; and (4) sensory sensitivities. RESULTS Respondents gave the highest ratings to solutions aimed at limiting overstimulation and a flexible approach toward working time, support of a job coach, remote work, and support by allowing electronic-mediated communication based on non-direct contact. CONCLUSIONS The results can be the starting point for further research on the highest rated solutions dedicated to improving working conditions and the well-being of autistic employees and can be an inspiration for employers who plan to introduce such solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał T. Tomczak
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
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5
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Weber C, Krieger B, Häne E, Yarker J, McDowall A. Physical Workplace Adjustments to Support Neurodivergent Workers: A Systematic Review. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Weber
- Institute of Facility Management, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland; and Environmental Psychology Department School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
- Department of Environmental Psychology, School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
| | - Beate Krieger
- Institute of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Science Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur Switzerland
| | - Eunji Häne
- Institute of Facility Management, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland; and Environmental Psychology Department School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
| | - Joanna Yarker
- Department of Organizational Psychology Birkbeck University of London London United Kingdom
| | - Almuth McDowall
- Department of Organizational Psychology Birkbeck University of London London United Kingdom
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6
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Stratton E, Glozier N, Woolard A, Gibbs V, Demetriou EA, Boulton KA, Hickie I, Pellicano E, Guastella AJ. Understanding the vocational functioning of autistic employees: the role of disability and mental health. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 45:1508-1516. [PMID: 35508414 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2066207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Employment rates for autistic people are low, despite increasing employment-focused programmes. Given the reported complexities for autistic people in finding and keeping work and flourishing there, further exploration is needed to understand how best to help employers accommodate autistic employees. MATERIAL AND METHODS We assessed 88 employed autistic adults, without comorbid intellectual disability and examined whether self-reported disability and mental health symptoms were associated with two measures of vocational functioning: disability days off work and vocational disability. RESULTS Nearly half (47%) reported at least one disability day absence in the previous month. Autism severity and IQ were not associated with either measure of vocational functioning. Greater disability and higher mental health symptoms were associated with both types of vocational functioning. However, the associations of anxiety and stress with both vocational outcomes were attenuated to null in a multivariable model. Disability (B = 6.74, p = 0.009; B = 1.18, p < 0.001) and depression (B = 4.46, p = 0.035; B = 1.01, p = 0.049) remained independently associated with both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians and vocational support programmes addressing modifiable factors may need to focus on addressing mental health comorbidities, specifically depression rather than anxiety, or core features of autism to improve vocational outcomes for autistic people. Implications for RehabilitationIndividual-level interventions that reduce disablement, particularly in social areas, and depressive symptoms as a way of reducing days off work and improving workplace activities in autistic employees are recommended.Organisations can accommodate autistic employees by encouraging use of mental health programmes or looking at how the workplace environment can be adapted to limit social disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Stratton
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nick Glozier
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alix Woolard
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Vicki Gibbs
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eleni A Demetriou
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Kelsie A Boulton
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ian Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Adam J Guastella
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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7
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Cheriyan C, Shevchuk-Hill S, Riccio A, Vincent J, Kapp SK, Cage E, Dwyer P, Kofner B, Attwood H, Gillespie-Lynch K. Exploring the Career Motivations, Strengths, and Challenges of Autistic and Non-autistic University Students: Insights From a Participatory Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:719827. [PMID: 34744884 PMCID: PMC8568013 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.719827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Supports for the growing number of autistic university students often focus on helping them succeed in university. However, even educated autistic people experience discrimination and other challenges which can make it very difficult for them to obtain meaningful jobs. Little remains known about how universities can better support their autistic students and alumni in overcoming barriers to meaningful employment. In this participatory study, a team of autistic and non-autistic researchers asked autistic (n = 92) and non-autistic (n = 774) university students about their career aspirations, strengths they believe will help them succeed in their "dream jobs," and obstacles they expect to encounter. Autistic participants' top goal in attending college was to improve their career prospects. However, relatively few autistic students reported learning career-specific skills at university. Autistic students were more likely to seek an academic job and less likely to seek a career in healthcare than non-autistic students. Autistic students highlighted writing skills and detail orientation as strengths that could help them succeed in their dream jobs more often than non-autistic students. However, they were also more likely to expect discrimination, social, and psychological difficulties to stand in the way of their dream jobs. These findings suggest that universities should prioritize experiential learning opportunities to help autistic (and non-autistic) students develop employment-related skills while providing mental health supports. Universities should demonstrate their commitment to supporting diverse learners by seeking out and hiring autistic professionals and by teaching their own staff and employers how to appreciate and support autistic colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinnu Cheriyan
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Sergey Shevchuk-Hill
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Ariana Riccio
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan Vincent
- School of Education, Language and Psychology, York St John University, York, United Kingdom
| | - Steven K. Kapp
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Eilidh Cage
- Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Dwyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Bella Kofner
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Helen Attwood
- School of Education, Language and Psychology, York St John University, York, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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8
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Can Characteristics of the Physical Environment Impact Engagement in Learning Activities in Children with Autism? A Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00248-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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9
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Bölte S. "We believe in good jobs, fair jobs, dignifying jobs that give you a good sense of identity": Career and job guidance counseling in autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:857-861. [PMID: 33554660 DOI: 10.1177/1362361321990325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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10
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Bury SM, Hedley D, Uljarević M, Gal E. The autism advantage at work: A critical and systematic review of current evidence. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 105:103750. [PMID: 32810716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite difficulties entering the workforce, people on the autism spectrum are often successful. Furthermore, they are suggested to bring unique abilities (e.g., attention to detail, tolerance for repetitive tasks) related to the repetitive and restrictive behaviours and interests (RRBI) diagnostic domain, that may be advantageous in employment. AIMS This critical and systematic review examined evidence supporting the superior workplace performance of employees on the autism spectrum, particularly regarding the RRBI domain. METHOD AND PROCEDURES A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) evaluated empirical peer-reviewed studies that assess employees on the autism spectrum's performance in the workplace or on work-specific tasks. Nine databases were searched, with additional papers identified from reference lists and consultation. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Two quantitative and four qualitative papers met criteria. Results reflect themes; attention to detail, tolerance of repetitive tasks, special/circumscribed interests, other RRBI related advantages/concerns. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Due to the nature and quality of the identified studies there is currently no strong evidence supporting or negating a workplace autism advantage. This review highlights the need for more research and urges constraint in utilising stereotypes that may not apply to all on the autism spectrum, arguing an individual differences approach to supporting autism strengths at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Bury
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia.
| | - Darren Hedley
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Stanford Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, USA; University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eynat Gal
- University of Haifa, Department of Occupational Therapy, Haifa, Israel
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11
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Diener ML, Wright CA, Taylor C, D'Astous V, Lasrich L. Dual perspectives in autism spectrum disorders and employment: Toward a better fit in the workplace. Work 2020; 67:223-237. [PMID: 32955484 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with people with other disabilities, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have the lowest rates of employment and switch jobs at a higher frequency. Thus, understanding how to support workplace success for people with ASD is important. OBJECTIVE Grounded in an ecological conceptual model, this study explores the dual employment perspectives of adults with ASD and supervisors who worked with individuals with ASD. METHODS Using participatory research methods, a purposive sample of ten adults with ASD (all verbal with high school diplomas) and ten supervisors participated in semi-structured interviews on employment experiences. Qualitative analyses were used to identify themes. RESULTS Four major themes emerged from an ecological framework to create a strong person-environment fit in the workplace: 1) building on interest/experiences/strengths/skills, 2) reducing social demands, 3) clear communication and expectations, and 4) ASD awareness for work environment. Comparisons between the two groups of participants showed substantive differences in expectations and accommodations. CONCLUSIONS Supervisors, although eager to employ individuals with ASD, could benefit by employing an ecological model to successful employment. Results indicate that multiple lenses on the process of employment for those with ASD can lead to better outcomes in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa L Diener
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Cheryl A Wright
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carly Taylor
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Valerie D'Astous
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lauren Lasrich
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Bross LA, Travers JC, Munandar VD, Morningstar M. A packaged intervention to improve job performance of a competitively employed young adult with autism spectrum disorder. JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 2020. [DOI: 10.3233/jvr-201099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Ann Bross
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Special Education and Child Development, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Jason C. Travers
- University of Kansas, Department of Special Education, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Vidya D. Munandar
- University of Kansas, Department of Special Education, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Mary Morningstar
- Portland State University, Special Education Department, Portland, OR, USA
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13
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Bury SM, Flower RL, Zulla R, Nicholas DB, Hedley D. Workplace Social Challenges Experienced by Employees on the Autism Spectrum: An International Exploratory Study Examining Employee and Supervisor Perspectives. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:1614-1627. [PMID: 32809168 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04662-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Social challenges represent a significantly under-researched area when it comes to the poor employment outcomes in autism. In this exploratory study employees on the autism spectrum (N = 29) and supervisors (N = 15), representing seven continents, provided 128 written examples of workplace-based social challenges, their interpretation, consequences and resolution. Content analysis revealed that types of social challenges were individually oriented or associated with the work-environment. Social challenges were frequently attributed to internal or personal factors with direct consequences for the employee. Resolutions were more frequently targeted toward the individual than the workplace, and hindered employees' experience of work. This international study represents a first look at the types of social challenges that impact equitable work participation of autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Bury
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Rebecca L Flower
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Rosslynn Zulla
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Darren Hedley
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Lindsay S, Osten V, Rezai M, Bui S. Disclosure and workplace accommodations for people with autism: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:597-610. [PMID: 31282214 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1635658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this systematic review was to describe the prevalence and processes of disability disclosure for persons with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS Systematic searches of seven international databases revealed 26 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. We analyzed these studies with respect to participant demographics, methodology, results and quality of the evidence. RESULTS Among the 26 studies, 7006 participants (aged 13-75, mean 28.1 years) were represented across seven countries. Our findings showed that rates of disclosure and receiving workplace accommodations varied considerably. Benefits of disclosing in the workplace included greater acceptance and inclusion, receiving accommodations, and increasing awareness about autism. Limitations of disclosing to employers involved experiencing stigma and discrimination. Factors affecting decisions to disclose included age at diagnosis, social demands of the job, and workplace policies. Types of accommodations that were received or desired included adjustments to the job interview process, schedules (i.e., flexibility, working from home), job content or working conditions, environment (i.e., lighting, quiet space); support with communication and social skills; and disability awareness training for their workplace colleagues. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight that disclosing a condition of autism in the workplace and requesting accommodations is complex. More research is needed to explore processes of disclosing and accommodation and how these processes vary by autism sub-type, gender, and industry type.Implications for rehabilitationClinicians and vocational Counselors should support people with autism to advocate for their needs in the workplace, including the potential benefits of disclosing their conditions so they can access accommodations that allow them to keep healthy and productive in workplace.Clinicians should recognize that people with autism spectrum disorder may have different workplace accommodation needs than those with other types of disabilities, in particular support with social and communication skills.Clinicians should aid people with autism to access resources and supports that are available to them to access workplace accommodations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Osten
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mana Rezai
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sunny Bui
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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