Dark clouds or silver linings? A stigma threat perspective on the implications of an autism diagnosis for workplace well-being.

Abstract

This article unpacks the stigma associated with a developmental disability at work, specifically autism spectrum disorders (ASD), by presenting findings from 2 studies-one interview-based and the other survey-based. Drawing on in-depth interviews with individuals on the autism spectrum, the first study showed that a clinical diagnosis of autism is a milestone event that triggered both positive (silver linings) and negative (dark clouds) responses to work. These positive and negative responses were shaped by the age at which the diagnosis occurred as well as specific work-related contingencies-identity management (disclosing or not disclosing), the importance of the social demands imposed by the job, and organizational support policies for autism. The second study developed and tested propositions derived from the qualitative data by using survey data gathered from working adults with ASD. Results showed that, compared with individuals diagnosed later in life, individuals who were diagnosed at an earlier age experienced greater organization-based self-esteem and lower perceived discrimination when they disclosed their disability, worked in jobs that placed lower social demands on them, or were employed in organizations that offered policies to support workers with ASD. We conclude that, depending on the age of diagnosis, attributes of the employment context can trigger stigma-related threat in different ways and we outline important practical implications of these findings.

Avoiding Ableist Language: Suggestions for Autism Researchers

“…1 The effects of ableism on autistic people include, but are not limited to, underemployment, mental health conditions, and victimization. [2][3][4][5][6] The motivation for this article stems from ongoing discussions between autism researchers and the autistic community, [7][8][9] with noteworthy contributions from individuals who belong to both groups. [10][11][12][13][14][15] We prioritize the perspectives of autistic people because they have first-hand expertise about autism and have demonstrated exceptional scientific expertise.…”

Barriers and Facilitators to Employment for Adults With Autism: A Scoping Review

“…Currently, relatively little is known about the most efficient and effective ways to support adults with ASD to obtain and maintain employment (Johnson & Joshi, 2016). The literature suggests that the low employment rates seen globally are potentially related to individual and environmental factors.…”

Quotas, and Anti‐discrimination Policies Relating to Autism in the EU: Scoping Review and Policy Mapping in Germany, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Poland, and Romania

“…Although paid employment is not possible for every person with autism, a survey from The National Autistic Society showed that 77% of the unemployed participants want to work [The National Autistic Society, 2016]. Identified barriers for employment are partly of the same nature as the characteristics of autism, including difficulties in communication and social interaction, however, discrimination and stigmatization by employers and co-workers also plays a major role [Autism-Europe, 2014;Graetz, 2010;Johnson & Joshi, 2016;Lorenz, Frischling, Cuadros, & Heinitz, 2016].…”