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Autistic adults’ views and experiences of requesting and receiving workplace adjustments in the UK

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Listed:
  • Jade Davies
  • Brett Heasman
  • Adam Livesey
  • Amy Walker
  • Elizabeth Pellicano
  • Anna Remington

Abstract

This article examines 181 autistic adults’ views toward, and experiences of, requesting and receiving workplace adjustments in the UK. Using an online survey, we collected both qualitative and quantitative data relating to individuals’ experiences. While the majority of participants perceived workplace adjustments to be important, many were not receiving them. Analysis of open-ended text responses highlighted specific challenges that autistic people face in requesting and receiving adjustments. Specifically, participants felt the onus fell on them to (1) identify their need for adjustments; (2) establish the specific adjustments that would be beneficial and (3) request adjustments from their employer. Yet, they reported struggling with this process. Participants also highlighted a range of social and organisational barriers to the successful implementation of workplace adjustments. Unsurprisingly, the lack of successfully implemented adjustments had far-reaching impacts on participants’ wellbeing as well as the choices they made about their future employment. These findings highlight the need for employers to take a more active role in the identification and implementation of workplace adjustments, as well as a need for more understanding and inclusive working environments that truly allow autistic employees to thrive in the workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Jade Davies & Brett Heasman & Adam Livesey & Amy Walker & Elizabeth Pellicano & Anna Remington, 2022. "Autistic adults’ views and experiences of requesting and receiving workplace adjustments in the UK," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(8), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0272420
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Noort, Mark C. & Reader, Tom W. & Gillespie, Alex, 2019. "Speaking up to prevent harm: a systematic review of the safety voice literature," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 100774, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    Cited by:

    1. Helen Smith & Sebastian C K Shaw & Mary Doherty & Jonathan Ives, 2025. "Reasonable adjustments for autistic clinicians: A qualitative study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(3), pages 1-20, March.

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