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The Lived Experiences and Perspectives of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mainstream Employment in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Melissa Sharpe

    (College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

  • Claire Hutchinson

    (College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
    Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

  • June Alexander

    (College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant barriers to employment. This study aimed to look at the support received by individuals with ASD in gaining and maintaining open employment from their perspective. A phenomenological approach was adopted with participants (n = 9) participating in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified four key themes; being supported, feeling successful, career progression and expectations. The findings suggest that individuals with ASD receive support from many different sources in their employment including supervisors, co-workers and parents. The support they received from disability employment consultants was more focused on obtaining a job rather than job maintenance or career progression. Career progression was rarely discussed by participants with their disability employment consultant, despite some evidence of poor job matches and unused qualifications and skills (reflecting a poor investment for individuals and society). Despite this, participants reported feeling successful due to having a job, having pride in their work, and feeling valued by co-workers. The study highlights the need for more research on understanding the longer-term support needs of people with ASD in open employment. Changes in policy to better resource and incentivize disability employment providers could produce more positive outcomes for people with ASD throughout their working lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Melissa Sharpe & Claire Hutchinson & June Alexander, 2022. "The Lived Experiences and Perspectives of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mainstream Employment in Australia," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 2(2), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:2:y:2022:i:2:p:13-177:d:781150
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carlton J. Fong & Joshua Taylor & Aynura Berdyyeva & Amanda M. McClelland & Kathleen M. Murphy & John D. Westbrook, 2021. "Interventions for improving employment outcomes for persons with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review update," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(3), September.
    2. John D. Westbrook & Chad Nye & Oliver Wendt & Carlton J. Fong & Ann Williams & Tara Cortopassi, 2012. "PROTOCOL: Pre‐graduation Transition Services for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effects on Employment Outcomes," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 8(1), pages 1-31.
    3. Kamerāde, Daiga & Wang, Senhu & Burchell, Brendan & Balderson, Sarah Ursula & Coutts, Adam, 2019. "A shorter working week for everyone: How much paid work is needed for mental health and well-being?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    4. Melissa Scott & Marita Falkmer & Sonya Girdler & Torbjörn Falkmer, 2015. "Viewpoints on Factors for Successful Employment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(10), pages 1-15, October.
    5. Carola Grün & Wolfgang Hauser & Thomas Rhein, 2010. "Is Any Job Better than No Job? Life Satisfaction and Re-employment," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 31(3), pages 285-306, September.
    6. repec:cup:jomorg:v:25:y:2019:i:04:p:453-463_00 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Melissa Scott & Andrew Jacob & Delia Hendrie & Richard Parsons & Sonya Girdler & Torbjörn Falkmer & Marita Falkmer, 2017. "Employers’ perception of the costs and the benefits of hiring individuals with autism spectrum disorder in open employment in Australia," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(5), pages 1-16, May.
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