Employment-Related Assistive Technology Needs in Autistic Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Human-computer interaction
• Vocational rehabilitation

Background:

• Assistive technology (AT) offers potential benefits for autistic adults in the workplace.
• Limited research exists on autistic adults' specific AT needs and experiences in employment.
• Current AT solutions may not align with real-world workplace demands for autistic individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess autistic adults' perceived needs for AT and AT services across employment stages.
• To identify satisfaction and discontinuation patterns with AT.
• To examine barriers and facilitators influencing effective AT use in employment.

Main Methods:

• A needs assessment survey was completed by 501 autistic adults recruited via Prolific.
• Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics and weighted needs scoring.
• Qualitative data analyzed using thematic analysis for satisfaction, discontinuation, and AT use reflections.

Main Results:

• Job retention, skill development, and job performance received the highest AT needs scores.
• Lower perceived needs for AT were reported in job development and placement.
• Barriers included limited access, insufficient training, and social stigma; person-centered services were emphasized.

Conclusions:

• AT can significantly enhance employment outcomes for autistic adults.
• Existing AT services often lack personalization and real-world alignment.
• Development of inclusive, tailored, and accessible AT solutions is crucial for all employment stages.