Autism Spectrum Disorder: Emotion Work in the Workplace

Abstract

Employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are vulnerable in the workplace due to the stigma associated with their condition. Negative attitudes of colleagues can compound misunderstandings of the identity of the individual related to their condition; thus, there are risks associated with revealing such a condition. Employees with stigmatised identities perform emotion work in order to cover any difficulties or symptoms that they experience so that they might be considered to be workers with “normal” identities in the workplace. This chapter examines the influences of identity and factors which impact the apparent identity of workers with ASD, and these include stigma management, peer support and level of disability and required supports.