Despite having the skills to excel in the workplace, many people with autism spectrum disorder are unemployed because of poor work environments, discrimination from employers/employees, and stigmatization. The unemployment rate for people with autism spectrum disorder is at an all time high of nearly 40%. This is so dangerous because most people without a job are going to struggle financially. Struggling financially can lead to poverty, homelessness, starvation, suicide and other mental health issues. Statistically, people with neurodivergence are already at a high risk for these issues. This is why it is so necessary to have accessible employment for people with autism spectrum disorder or other forms of neurodivergence. I believe that educating society and spreading awareness on neurodivergence and autism spectrum disorder will grow the autistic community in the workforce. Being educated on the disorder will stop judgements and create a more inviting environment.
People with autism already have a hard time finding employment because of their neurodivergency. They can struggle with social anxiety, inflexibility, or severe sensory challenges. ASD can also cause a person to have extreme rejection sensitivity or be unable to read social cues. These are all internal struggles, so it is important for an external environment to be accommodating in order for a person with ASD to thrive. Everyone should have the right to a job that pays them fairly and gives them a sense of purpose.
A common trait that people with ASD have is avoiding eye contact, or being unable to read social scenarios appropriately. As a result, symptoms of autism spectrum disorder are often misinterpreted. Drawing conclusions because you don’t understand a neurodivergent person’s behavior leads to harmful stereotypes and stigma against the disorder. It is essential to be educated so we can recognize these behaviors. In a journal by Issues In Mental Health Nursing, the author writes that autistic people may be “unable to attain employment because autistic traits, such as a lack of eye contact, that can be viewed as a poor cultural fit in job interviews.” (Gonzales, 2022) If employers were more knowledgeable on autism spectrum disorder, they would be less likely to judge these symptoms of ASD as a “poor cultural fit.”
Not only can it be difficult to land a job, if an autistic person is employed they may be subjected to harassment. Having ASD can make someone an easy target. “People with autism may experience bullying, including the weaponizing of autistic traits by colleagues.” (Praslova 2021) Weaponizing autistic traits can look as simple as a coworker intentionally making loud noises to overstimulate a neurodivergent person in order to get a reaction out of them. When triggered, a person with autism spectrum disorder may be perceived as overreacting by a neurotypical person. Weaponizing autistic traits can often be underplayed by the bully, which is why it is so harmful.
In order to avoid harassment, often autistic people will perform masking. “Masking is the process of intentionally, or unintentionally, hiding aspects of yourself to avoid harm.” (Danielle Miller, BSc, Jon Rees, MBBS, and Amy Pearson, PhD) Recent studies performed by the program Autism In Adulthood discovered severe negative consequences masking has on individuals with autism. It takes a huge emotional toll on a neurodivergent person. The study wrote that it “deeply affects a person’s identity and leads to confusion about who they “really” are.” Subjects even “reported that masking can lead to increased suicidality.” (Danielle Miller, BSc, Jon Rees, MBBS, and Amy Pearson, PhD) The loss of identity causes feelings of grief and depression. Making sure autistic people in the workforce feel comfortable with coworkers can help a person begin to un-mask their behavior.
Eric Ascher tells his story of life as an autistic person after college. He struggled immensely to find a job, even saying “Hundreds of applications [and] dozens of interviews all led to nothing.” (Gonzales) As a person with autism, he talked about a lot of ways society can help neurodivergent people feel more safe in the workplace. He explained that “employers should focus the job application process on skills that will be necessary in the job—perhaps allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills rather than just discussing them.” (Gonzales) This allows neurodivergent people to show what they are truly capable of if they can’t communicate it. He also provided tips for managers that really stressed the importance of a distraction free work environment. He suggested providing noise canceling headphones and avoiding interrupting a person with ASD when they appear to be working on a task. Another way a manager or supervisor can be helpful is by helping with time management, planning, and being flexible with deadlines.
It is evident that the key part of creating a safe work environment “is [to] make it clear that autistic employees are welcome in the workplace.” (Gonzales) We can help the employed autistic community grow by educating workplaces and employers on neurodivergence. This will encourage workers with autism to continue working safely, and attract new people with autism to the workforce.
Works Cited
“,.” , – YouTube, 5 March 2024, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01612840.2023.2239916. Accessed 23 April 2024.
Amy L. Accardo,corresponding author1 Nancy M. H. Pontes,2 and Manuel C. F. Pontes. “Heightened Anxiety and Depression Among Autistic Adolescents with ADHD: Findings From the National Survey of Children’s Health 2016–2019.” NCBI, 15 October 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9630808/. Accessed 23 April 2024.
Danielle Miller, BSc, Jon Rees, MBBS, and Amy Pearson, PhD. ““Masking Is Life”: Experiences of Masking in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults.” NCBI, 7 December 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8992921/. Accessed 23 April 2024.
Gonzales, Matt. “What Life Is Like for Autistic Workers.” SHRM, 15 April 2022, https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/inclusion-equity-diversity/life-like-autistic-workers. Accessed 23 April 2024.
Rudy, Lisa Jo. “10 Things to Know About Autism and Employment.” Verywell Health, 28 November 2023, https://www.verywellhealth.com/things-you-need-to-know-about-autism-and-employment-4159850. Accessed 23 April 2024.
Saunders, Barbara. “I’m neurodivergent and struggling at work — Empower Work.” Empower Work, 16 May 2023, https://www.empowerwork.org/blog/im-neurodivergent-and-struggling-at-work. Accessed 23 April 2024.
Sprockets and Springes 