Employment with Autism: What Are Educational and Adaptive Needs of Employers in Austria from the Perspective of Women with Low-Symptom Autism?

Abstract

People on the autism spectrum have little chance of finding adequate, satisfying, and long-term employment in the primary labor market, and little is known about the factors that promote labor market participation from the perspective of individuals with autism. In this master’s thesis, a qualitative study was conducted to investigate which educational and adaptive measures on the part of employers lead to the successful employment of people with autism in Austria. Eleven female autistic experts and two neurotypical experts on autism and work identified framework conditions for the employment success of autistic people as well as needs for change in the recruitment, onboarding and retention phases of organizations. The findings were presented in a comprehensive model and can be summarized as follows: People on the autism spectrum need more clarity in communication, they have a greater need for structure and predictability, and they require more support than neurotypical people in some areas of everyday work. Thus, employers in the primary labor market should address these needs and create an inclusive and understanding work environment that is lived authentically. As such, this work has important implications for both diversity management practice and research on autism and work.

Keywords: autism; diversity management; inclusion; labor market