In Search of a Good Person-to-Job Fit: Perspectives of Autistic Clients, Their Family Members, and Employers of a Pilot Autism-Specific Employment Program

Abstract

Employment is an important factor contributing to the quality of life of autistic individuals. However, autistic people are substantially underrepresented in the workforce, and are more likely than non-autistic people to be in part-time/casual positions and/or in jobs for which they were overqualified. Current employment programs often cater to a limited range of autistic jobseekers. This project explored participants' perceptions of an autism-specific, client-led employment program, Autism EmployABLE, with respect to (1) the program's helpfulness and aspects that could be improved and (2) the clients' happiness, confidence, and feelings of independence after gaining employment. We employed a hybrid approach for content analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives of 15 autistic clients, 6 family members, and 5 employers. Interview data revealed that almost all participants perceived Autism EmployABLE to be helpful, and that it aligned well with the Person—Environment—Occupation (PEO) Model of Occupational Performance, in that it addressed the interaction between person (e.g., interests, strengths), environment (workplace factors), and occupation (e.g., job tasks). Perceived benefits of the program included enhanced client confidence and independence, and improved outcomes compared with generic disability employment services. Suggested improvements included opportunities for clients to meet and share experiences, access to industry-specific mentoring, provision of written materials, and aptitude testing for specific roles. This study provides preliminary support for the benefits of Autism EmployABLE and highlights the importance of sourcing positions that match each client's skills and interests to achieve the outcome considered critical to employment success—good person-to-job fit.