Autism in the Workplace

AMO perspectives on the well-being of neurodivergent human capital

“…Austin and Pisano (2017) concluded that neurodivergent individuals are likely to earn lower scores in interviews than their less-talented neurotypical counterparts. Hands-on skills assessment over an extended period of time may be preferable (Annabi and Locke, 2019) and project-based assessment with more relaxed interactions should allow for candidates' capabilities to emerge (Hurley-Hanson et al , 2020; Patton, 2019).…”

“…In contrast with typical employees, individuals with autism spectrum disorders may be more motivated by menial and repetitive tasks and will find too much autonomy or skill variety as overwhelming (Doyle, 2020) while employees with ADHD are likely to be motivated only if the task is intrinsically interesting (Brown, 2017). Additionally, the prospective workplace challenges that neurodivergent employees face (see Table 1) will often perpetuate stigmatizing and discriminatory practices against these individuals (Hurley-Hanson et al , 2020; Silvers, 2011) with a potentially negative effect on their motivation (Whelpley et al , 2020). Interestingly, the challenges associated with communication faced by some neurodivergent employees (Doyle, 2020), being less responsive to social and monetary rewards (Scot Van-Zeeland et al , 2010) and placing less emphasis on impression management (Chevallier et al , 2012) often lead to the false perception that neurodivergent employees are disengaged and unmotivated (Patton, 2019).…”

Program evaluation of a community organization offering supported employment services for adults with autism

“…Some managers have also expressed positive opinions on integrating employees with ASD in different entrylevel jobs such as cashier, dishwasher, housekeeper, or clerical assistance, even when they needed considerable support to function in the workplace (Hagner & Cooney, 2005). A certain number of companies in the information technology, professional services, agriculture, manufacturing or military industries have even developed specialized recruitment programs to tap into the strengths of individuals with ASD (Hurley-Hanson et al, 2020). In contrast, difficulties experienced in social interactions is the main factor hindering the job search and performance in adults with ASD (Hendricks, 2010;Noel et al, 2017).…”

Developing Employment Environments Where Individuals with ASD Thrive: Using Machine Learning to Explore Employer Policies and Practices

“…Research suggests that competitive employment may be difficult to attain for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although companies are beginning to recognize the value of hiring employees with ASD, the academic literature on the benefits and current practices of recruiting people with ASD is limited [ 1 , 2 ]. Providing supportive employment services for adults with ASD is seen as a positive investment.…”

“…This number is expected to rise to one trillion dollars by 2025 [ 4 ]. There are additional financial and non-financial costs that are difficult to measure, such as income losses for individuals with ASD and their families, as well as the emotional and psychological costs associated with long term unemployment [ 1 ].…”