Autistic adults’ priorities for future autism employment research: Perspectives from the United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: A growing body of research has sought to understand autistic people’s research priorities. Several of these studies have identified employment as a key research priority. Yet, there have been few attempts to identify specific, fine-grained priorities within this area. Methods: Using an online survey, we asked 197 autistic people in the UK about their priorities for future autism-employment research. Results: Participants spoke of their challenges in gaining and sustaining meaningful employment and called for researchers to conduct research that results in direct improvements to employment experiences. Regarding their research priorities, participants indicated a need for research covering all aspects of the employment lifecycle from accessing employment to transitioning out of employment. Importantly, participants also discussed how such research should be conducted: with autistic people as co-researchers and ensuring a diverse range of autistic people are listened to. Conclusion: While much existing autism-employment research appears to align with the priorities outlined in this study, seemingly minimal attention has been paid to later stages of the work lifecycle (e.g., progressing into more senior job roles or transitioning out of work). By identifying disparities between autistic people’s priorities and the research being conducted, we can support autistic people to drive the research agenda and ensure autism-employment research positively impacts the community it aims to serve.

The workplace masking experiences of autistic, non-autistic neurodivergent and neurotypical adults in the UK

“…This section contained questions regarding the participants' gender identity, age category, ethnicity, and highest level of education as well as more employment specific questions (e.g., employment status, income, satisfaction with employment status, number of different employers). Participants were then presented with a number of survey modules on different topics in employment (e.g., see [18,48,49]). Participants in the present study completed the survey module on workplace masking experiences.…”

“Retirement Is One Hell of a Change”: Autistic People's Experiences of Retiring

“…41 Indeed, as few as 29% of autistic people are thought to be employed in the United Kingdom and, of those who are employed, many are underemployed. [42][43][44][45] Consequently, autistic people may be less likely to have adequate pension provision and/or savings for a financially comfortable retirement and financial concerns may be particularly salient. 46 Poor outcomes regarding friends and romantic relationships may also mean that autistic people are less likely to enter retirement with adequate social support.…”