Preparing autistic workers in work adjustment: Employer and employee perspective analysis

Background: The value of diversity in human resources, particularly empowering employees with disabilities as assets, has been investigated by industry. Even in an era of economic expansion, the existence of workers with disabilities, particularly those with autism, is stigmatised. Objectives: This study aimed to understand how employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) adjust their work and how their employers view their performance. Method: Mixed method design is the method used in this study. By purposive sampling, three employees with ASD were chosen as the main subjects, and their degree of job adjustment was assessed using the Work Adjustment Illinois Scale (WAIS). Three employers were also interviewed in depth to get qualitative data. Validity, reliability and normality checks were all part of quantitative analysis. Work Adjustment Illinois Scale scores are also categorised using a statistical method (mean ± standard deviation) before qualitative analysis is performed using the interactive analysis method. Results: The results show that the majority of workers with ASD exhibited moderate to high degrees of work adjustment. Self-confidence, the necessity of structural modification, and the significance of employer comprehension were among the themes that surfaced from the processing of the qualitative data. Conclusion: Workers with ASD are able to make good work adjustments when facilitated with work adjustments from both the individual themselves and support from their workplace. Contribution: In order to support the continued professional success of people with ASD, the study highlights the necessity of inclusive work rules and training for supervisors and coworkers to support the wellbeing of workers with autism.