Autistic-inclusive employment: A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis

Abstract

Inclusive employment is a key topic and area of practice for social workers. Unfortunately, autistic adults face multiple barriers to accessing and retaining employment. There is much to be learned through reflection on the employment experiences of autistic individuals to gain a more nuanced insight on the phenomenon of autistic-inclusive employment. Informed by critical disability and neurodiversity scholarship, a qualitative interpretive meta-analysis was conducted to review and interpret autistic adults' experiences with employment and offer a translational understanding of autistic-inclusive employment for key stakeholders. Eleven (N = 11) qualitative studies utilizing inclusive research design and representing 632 participants were reviewed and synthesized through the lens of inclusive employment. This process resulted in four key themes that describe autistic adults' experiences with autistic-inclusive employment: (1) organizational culture, (2) workplace environment, (3) disclosure and accommodations, and (4) role alignment. Findings from this study highlight opportunities to enhance autistic-inclusive workplace policies and practices. Relevant implications for social workers, employers, researchers, policy makers, and autism advocates are shared.