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Key Takeaways
- The autistic community has higher levels of underemployment or unemployment.
- Although autistic adults may face challenges in the workplace, they also have unique strengths to offer.
- Some jobs are better suited to the needs of neurodivergent individuals than others.
- Autistic individuals can access resources to help navigate the workforce, including help with accommodations and networking.
Introduction to autism in the workplace
Navigating the job market can be difficult for anyone, but it’s especially hard for autistic individuals. Compared to neurotypical adults, autistic adults often face higher rates of unemployment or underemployment. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed in general, and that number may be as high as 85% when considering specifically autistic adults with college degrees.
Therefore, it’s not only important to understand the role that autism spectrum disorder plays in the workforce, but it’s also important to know which jobs may be best suited for autistic employees.
How autism impacts workplace difficulties and strengths
Autistic individuals often encounter challenges in traditional workplaces, ranging from sensory overload in offices to the pressure of social interactions during interviews and daily work. However, many autistic people report that their unique traits, when accommodated sufficiently, can make them assets to their employers and coworkers.
Workplace difficulties
Autistic people may find it challenging to navigate the social aspects of a traditional workplace. Differences in social communication are part of the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, which means that, to some degree, autistic people communicate differently than their neurotypical coworkers. This can manifest as:
- Bluntness
- Trouble decoding body language
- Avoiding small talk in the office
- A preference for solo work over group work
- Echolalia (using repeated words or phrases)
None of these traits are inherent flaws or personal deficits, but they can be juxtapositional to workplace success.
Additionally, some autistic adults may experience sensory overload in their work environment. Fluorescent lighting, overlapping sounds and odors from perfume or communal kitchen spaces can all contribute to overstimulation in the office. Sensory overload can cause irritability, fatigue and difficulty focusing, all of which make it difficult to be productive at work.
Workplace strengths
While autistic adults may face unique struggles in the workplace, they also have a unique set of strengths to offer their employers. In a study, autistic participants reported several attributes that are valued in their workplaces. These attributes include:
- Heightened creativity
- Ability to focus on tasks
- Strong memory
- Increased efficiency
- A unique perspective
- Honesty
When neurodiverse people are hired, both the autistic employees and the workplaces have an opportunity to thrive.
Finding employment: Jobs for autistic adults
Some jobs may be more appealing or more accommodating to neurodivergent employees. Dr. Temple Grandin, an autistic professor and autism advocate, conducted a study that identified the best jobs for autistic people. Those jobs were then sorted into categories based on which part of the neurodiverse community they would be most suitable for, depending on interests and skills. Those jobs include:
- Jobs for visual thinkers or creatives:
- Computer programming
- Photography
- Veterinary assistant
- Advertising
- Web design
- Video game design
- Animation
- Building trades like carpentry
- Computer repair
- Handcrafts like woodworking or jewelry making
- Jobs for non-visual thinkers:
- Accounting
- Library science
- Journalism or creative writing
- Engineering
- Lab technician
- Physicist
- Mathematician
- Telemarketing
- Clerking or filing
- Jobs for nonverbal or low-verbal people:
- Lawn and garden work
- Plant care
- Cleaning
- Cooking
- Library work (though not a librarian)
- Data entry
- Factory assembly work.
Although each autistic individual decides on a specific career path and job to pursue, the prevailing advice is that a job should have well-defined goals and be based on one’s work, rather than one’s personality or sociability. It’s also important to have a boss who understands the unique needs of employees on the autism spectrum.
While it’s valuable to know the best jobs for autistic individuals, it can also be helpful to know which jobs to avoid. The same study identified some jobs that aren’t as well suited to neurodiverse skills, including:
- Cashier
- Waitress
- Market trader
- Airline ticketing agent
- Air traffic controller
Of course, every autistic person is unique. Some may thrive in an “unideal” job, and some may find their dream job outside of these recommendations. However, this list of recommended jobs is a good starting point for autistic adults looking to enter the workforce or change careers.
Inclusive hiring practices and their benefits
Autism-inclusive hiring practices reduce biases and create more accessible and fair recruitment processes for neurodiverse individuals.
For example, structured interviews that focus on job-relevant skills rather than on unspoken social cues can make a big difference. To be more inclusive, companies could use alternative job interview formats, such as trial runs, job simulations or video-based assessments, to allow candidates to showcase their abilities without the added pressure of traditional social interactions. Those practices would reduce the need for “small talk” and allow candidates to be fairly evaluated on their practical skills and knowledge without facing subjective judgments based on their social abilities.
Inclusive hiring practices benefit both workers and employers. Fair hiring practices would likely reduce the high number of unemployed or underemployed autistic individuals. Furthermore, diverse workplaces with inclusive employers allow employers to access fresh perspectives when advancing their brands or goals. It’s crucial for employers to take an active role in understanding autism and educating themselves on the struggles that autistic employees might face.
Once an autistic individual is hired, inclusive employers can provide written communication of job expectations and detailed descriptions of workplace responsibilities. This alleviates the burden of deciphering unwritten rules or navigating unspoken expectations, which can be difficult for autistic employees.
Resources and next steps for autistic job seekers
If navigating the job market and finding the right job for you sounds daunting, help is available. These resources include:
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN): The Job Accommodation Network helps autistic people navigate workplace accommodations, from knowing which accommodations are appropriate to advocating for them.
- The Workforce Recruitment Program: Managed by the Department of Labor, the Workforce Recruitment Program connects private and public sector employers with disabled college graduates seeking employment.
- Department of Labor’s Autism Resource Library: The Department of Labor maintains a library for both employers and employees. It provides information about workplace policies and hiring practices, as well as resources for transitioning into the workplace and job development for autistic individuals.
- The Autism Research Institute’s Resource Library: The Autism Research Institute has a resource library that includes employment assessments, information about non-profits and networking help.
How Prosper Health can help
Finding satisfying employment is just one aspect of navigating life on the autism spectrum. If you are autistic or suspect you might be, Prosper is here to help. Whether you’re looking for a diagnosis or support while you navigate life’s challenges, we’ve got your back. Prosper offers fully virtual adult autism assessments and neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic adults to support mental health as a whole. We work with most major insurance providers, and our practitioners offer individualized treatment plans that utilize evidence-based practices.
Get started with us today.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8992865/
https://autismsociety.org/employment/#:~:text=85%25,degree%20are%20unemployed%20or%20underemployed.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8661075/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36605563/
https://employmentautism.org.uk/interviews-alternatives-and-adjustments/
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Autism and Empathy: Bridging the Gap in Understanding Neurodivergent Perspectives
We often make assumptions about others’ internal states based on their external behaviors. For example, if I see that you’re shivering, I might make a good guess that you’re cold. I might be correct most of the time, but these assumptions are not always accurate. It’s also possible that someone can be shivering but not cold, or cold but not shivering.
Autistic behaviors are commonly misunderstood because autistic people have social and communication differences. This means that when someone guesses an autistic person's internal state based on what they see externally, they are less likely to guess correctly because the state may differ from what they expect. An autistic person may feel one way but appear differently to another person. One clear example of this is the assumption that some have made that autistic people must lack empathy.
The question “Do autistic people have empathy?” prevails in blog posts and articles online––and the persistence of this question exemplifies the harmful myth that autistic people lack empathy. Autistic people do have empathy––and in fact, many have heightened empathy––even if the expression of this empathy appears differently.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social and communication differences and a preference for sameness and repetition. In the past, some researchers pursued the idea that a lack of empathy is a defining feature of the autism spectrum ––but this view has been challenged by other researchers who point out the flaws in these assumptions.
While autistic traits undoubtedly include social and communication differences compared to allistic (non-autistic) people, these differences do not equate autism to a lack of empathy.
Read on to learn more about different types of empathy, factors influencing autistic empathy and more.
Creating Inclusive Work Environments: Autism in The Workplace
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how individuals perceive, interact with and respond to the world around them. It manifests uniquely in every person. For many autistic adults, autism impacts communication, social interaction, sensory experiences and thinking patterns. These traits can shape how autistic individuals engage in the workplace, presenting both challenges and exceptional strengths.
In professional settings, autistic individuals may face barriers such as difficulties with navigating unspoken workplace norms, sensory sensitivities or challenges with executive functioning tasks like time management and prioritization. However, these same individuals often bring remarkable skills and fresh perspectives to their roles. Common strengths include attention to detail, creative problem-solving, deep focus and innovative thinking. Recognizing and valuing these contributions is key to fostering a workplace where neurodiverse employees can thrive.
Discussing autism in the workplace is crucial not only for supporting autistic employees but also for cultivating a more inclusive work culture. Embracing neurodiversity helps organizations challenge traditional ways of thinking, opening the door to fresh approaches and solutions. Moreover, creating an environment where autistic employees feel seen, heard and accommodated benefits everyone—encouraging more collaboration, understanding and productivity.
Common misconceptions about autistic employees
Misunderstandings about autism often lead to stereotypes that unfairly marginalize autistic workers. Some common myths include:
“Autistic people lack empathy.”
This myth stems from a misunderstanding of how autistic individuals process and express empathy. While autistic employees may approach emotional dynamics differently, this doesn’t mean they lack empathy. Many autistic individuals express empathy differently than their neurotypical peers; for example, they may express their empathy through practical support, thoughtful actions, or a commitment to fairness and honesty. Employers who make space for diverse ways of connecting can uncover meaningful contributions to team morale and collaboration.
“Autism only means deficits.”
Autism is frequently discussed in terms of challenges, such as difficulties with social situations or sensory sensitivities. However, this narrow perspective overlooks the significant strengths that many autistic employees bring to the workplace. These strengths include exceptional problem-solving skills, creative thinking, attention to detail and the ability to hyperfocus on complex or repetitive tasks. By recognizing these attributes, employers can not only empower autistic employees but also gain a competitive edge by leveraging their unique talents.
“Autistic employees can’t handle teamwork.”
This misconception arises from the idea that autistic individuals struggle with collaboration. In reality, many autistic employees excel in structured, communicative team environments. Teams that establish clear expectations, assign defined roles and use straightforward communication strategies create a space where autistic workers can thrive. Moreover, their perspectives often enhance teamwork, offering new ideas or identifying potential issues others might overlook.
These myths highlight the importance of understanding autism beyond stereotypes. Employers who challenge these misconceptions and embrace neurodiversity can create workplaces that not only support autistic employees but also benefit from their unique contributions. By fostering a culture of inclusion and adaptability, businesses can tap into the strengths of all their employees, creating a richer and more innovative workforce.
Challenges in workplace relationships
Navigating workplace relationships can be particularly challenging for autistic adults due to differences in communication styles, social expectations and sensory sensitivities. These challenges can impact interactions with colleagues, supervisors and clients, often leading to misunderstandings or feelings of isolation.
Communication barriers
Many workplace environments rely heavily on unwritten social norms and nonverbal communication, which can be difficult for autistic individuals to interpret. For example, understanding office humor, gauging the tone of an email or recognizing when a coworker wants to end a conversation can pose challenges. Autistic employees may be perceived as overly direct or aloof, which can lead to misconceptions about their intentions or professionalism. Autistic individuals can also be misinterpreted as rude in the workplace because they don’t go out of their way to make small talk.
Difficulty making connections
Socializing with colleagues during breaks or after-work events can feel unnatural or exhausting for many autistic adults, especially those who experience social anxiety or find group dynamics overwhelming. Struggles with small talk or team-building activities may make it harder to form connections, potentially leading to feelings of exclusion or misunderstanding.
Navigating hierarchies
Interacting with supervisors or managers adds complexity, particularly in workplaces with unspoken rules about authority and decision-making. Autistic employees may have difficulty identifying implicit expectations or managing hierarchical dynamics. For example, they might not know when to advocate for themselves versus when to seek guidance, which can affect performance reviews and opportunities for advancement.
Sensory and emotional regulation
Noisy offices, strong lighting or tense workplace conflicts can heighten sensory overwhelm and emotional stress, making it harder for autistic individuals to focus and engage productively. These stressors can exacerbate challenges in maintaining healthy workplace interactions.
Understanding Autism and Relationships: Navigating Love, Family and Friendship
Autism can shape how individuals experience relationships, bringing unique strengths like honesty, loyalty, and focus. However, autism also creates challenges related to interpreting social cues or expressing emotions. These differences can easily lead to misunderstandings.
Autistic people thrive in relationships with clear communication and mutual understanding. For instance, they may prefer direct communication or need time to recharge after sensory overload. When these needs are respected, it fosters trust and support.
