Making Work Work: What Autistic Adults Say About Employment

• In Event: Empowering Diverse Pathways: Navigating Education and Employment for Individuals With Disabilities

Abstract

Autistic people are often unemployed or underemployed; they work fewer hours and earn less money than neurotypical people and peers with other disabilities (Alverson & Yamamoto, 2018). 13 autistic adults were interviewed for the study and 7 themes related to employment barriers were indicated. Masking, diagnosis, individualized accommodations and support, knowledge about autism, self-awareness, falling through the cracks, and discrimination were discussed in the interviews. Autistic adults would benefit from both individualized and meaningful support and systemic change surrounding the structure of work and employment.

Authors

• Adam Berman, Central Michigan University

• Elisabeth K. Rice, The George Washington University