A Pilot Evaluation of a Web-Based Intervention Aiming to Improve Employer Confidence in Hiring Autistic People

Autistic people are underrepresented in the workforce. Reasons for this include insufficient employer knowledge about autism and poor suitability of employment environments and practices. This pre-registered single-arm pre-post pilot trial aimed to assess the acceptability and usability of a set of co-developed web-based resources aimed at employers, the Autism Work Access Resource for Employers (AWARE) toolkit. We designed the resources to improve employer confidence and knowledge in relation to employing Autistic people and to give them a set of practical materials to enhance the inclusivity of their hiring processes. We asked 20 employers who were currently responsible for managing recruitment activities/processes in their organisations to engage with the AWARE toolkit for 1-hr over a 2-week period. Results indicated that employers found the toolkit to be highly acceptable, and rated usability as 'excellent'. Preliminary indicators of efficacy showed that employers experienced less worry about hiring Autistic people and gained greater knowledge of workplace adjustments by using the toolkit. This study demonstrates the promise of quick-reference resources as part of the solution towards improving access to high-quality employment opportunities for Autistic people.Lay AbstractAutistic people are often underrepresented in employment. In the United Kingdom, only around 3 in 10 Autistic people are currently employed. Barriers to employment include a lack of knowledge among employers about autism, and a lack of understanding about workplace adjustments. Traditional hiring practices, such as job interviews, can also be less accessible for Autistic people. To address these barriers to employment for Autistic people, the researchers have developed a web-based intervention called the AWARE (Autism Work Access Resource for Employers) toolkit. These resources were designed to improve employer knowledge about autism and reasonable adjustments, and to provide resources which can be used in the workplace. The resources include information, links to resources and guidance, checklists and templates which can be downloaded, and videos of employers and Autistic employees talking about their employment experiences. This pilot trial recorded data from 20 employers who were responsible for hiring processes in their organisation. These employers interacted with the web resources and then provided feedback. This showed that it was practical to use the toolkit, that employers liked the resources and that employers reported higher knowledge and lower worry after using the resources. The study shows that providing quick, practical and easy-to-use resources could be an effective way of improving employment opportunities for Autistic people by improving employer knowledge and confidence to provide more inclusive working environments.