Making Work Work: Improving Employment Outcomes for Autistic Adults

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Disability-Centered Systemic Change in Postsecondary Education (Table 15)

Abstract

There are a growing number of autistic students that are currently aging out of the public schooling system and into adulthood. The transition to post-high school life is difficult for many autistic children as issues with reciprocal social interactions and relationships, reading nonverbal behaviors and cues, and repetitive behaviors all provide major obstacles to success (Pinder-Amaker, 2013). To capture the voices of autistic adults, the study employed a mixed methods design that surveyed self-determination skills and interviewed adults regarding their employment experiences. The researcher found themes of masking, burnout, workplace discrimination, and unaccommodating workplaces were significant hurdles towards gainful employment for autistic adults. The researcher concluded that changing the system of work would improve work outcomes for autistic adults.

Author

• Adam Berman, Central Michigan University
  Presenting Author