Autistic Employees' Technology-Based Workplace Accommodation Preferences Survey-Preliminary Findings

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Occupational Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Growing research focuses on workplace accommodations for autistic employees.
• Accommodations include modified management practices (e.g., communication support) and environmental changes to reduce sensory issues.
• Digital technology plays a significant role in many proposed solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather opinions from autistic individuals on proposed workplace solutions.
• To assess the effectiveness of accommodations across four key areas: communication, work organization, stress management, and sensory sensitivities.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative research design.
• Surveying autistic respondents as potential end-users of workplace accommodations.
• Assessing user perspectives on solutions targeting communication, organization, stress, and sensory challenges.

Main Results:

• Highest ratings were given to solutions reducing overstimulation and offering flexible working hours.
• Support from a job coach, remote work options, and electronic-mediated communication were highly valued.
• Non-direct contact communication methods were favored.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide a foundation for further research into effective workplace solutions for autistic employees.
• The results can inform employers on implementing successful accommodations to improve well-being and performance.
• Prioritizing sensory regulation, flexible work, and communication support is recommended.