(2024) Jade Davies, Mel Romualdez, Danae Malyan, Brett Heasman, Adam Livesey, Amy Walker, Elizabeth Pellicano, and Anna Remington
Summary by Zahra
In a study of 197 autistic adults, participants stressed the need for research on how to advance in their careers and transition out of work successfully.
Despite 22% of autistic adults in the UK being employed, many feel stuck in roles that don’t reflect their skills or potential.
The Challenges of Progression
“What do autistic careers over a lifetime look like? How can we advance without playing the corporate game of thrones?”
Employment research often focuses on getting autistic individuals into the workforce but overlooks a crucial aspect: career progression. Career progression is often a missing piece in autism employment research. While autistic people may find jobs, advancing to senior roles or transitioning out of work, such as into retirement, remains underexplored. The lack of support for navigating these stages creates barriers to fulfilling career paths.
- 44.7% of autistic employees have worked for more than six employers, yet many remain underemployed or overlooked for promotions.
- Only 43.7% of autistic employees feel satisfied with their current roles but many feel unable to move forward due to systemic and social barriers
Non-Inclusive Workplaces Take a Toll
“The stress of fitting in takes such a toll that I leave jobs before I’ve even had a chance to advance.”
Autistic employees often face stigma, discrimination, and toxic workplace environments that affect their mental health and career satisfaction. Many feel forced to mask their autism, leading to burnout and stress.
- 77% of autistic individuals report that stigma and misunderstandings impact their workplace experiences.
- 8.1% of autistic employees reported being self-employed because traditional workplaces aren’t designed to accommodate neurodivergence.
A Call for Inclusive Research
“Involvement of autistic people at every stage of the research is critical. We are the experts on autism, and too often our voices are ignored!”
To improve employment outcomes, autistic voices must be at the centre of research. This includes co-designing studies and focusing on diverse experiences.
Research must drive systemic change, from hiring to workplace culture and career transitions.
- Most research focuses on early employment, but only 9% of studies explore later stages, like career progression and retirement.
- 43.2% of autistic adults lack opportunities to share their perspectives in traditional research settings.