Coming out autistic at work: A review of the literature

Abstract

Research consistently documents the negative postsecondary outcomes of autistic individuals. Identifying facilitators and barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment is imperative to improve postsecondary outcomes. Autism diagnosis disclosure at work may serve as a facilitator or barrier to obtaining and maintaining employment, but little is known about the lived experiences of individuals on the spectrum regarding diagnosis disclosure at work. To ascertain why autistic individuals choose to pursue disclosure or choose not to disclose at work, how they disclose, and the consequences of that disclosure, a state-of-the-art literature review was conducted. Ten studies met the final inclusion criteria and were synthesized to provide guidance to autistic individuals, families, and professionals who support autistic individuals’ transition to employment. Lay abstract Research consistently documents the poor postsecondary outcomes of autistic individuals. It is important to identify supports that help autistic individuals get and keep jobs to improve postsecondary outcomes. Autism diagnosis disclosure at work may serve as a support (e.g., receiving accommodations) or as a barrier (e.g., discrimination) to getting and keeping employment, but little is known about the lived experiences of autistic individuals on diagnosis disclosure at work. To better understand why individuals on the spectrum choose to pursue disclosure or choose not to disclose at work, how they disclose, and the consequences of that disclosure, a state-of-the-art literature review was conducted. Ten studies met the final inclusion criteria and were synthesized to provide guidance to autistic individuals, families, and professionals who support their transition to employment. Findings from the review indicate that diagnosis disclosure is a highly complex decision. Across reviewed studies, participants chose to pursue disclosure for specific reasons, including access to accommodations or support, increase understanding, and advocate for self or others. Autistic individuals participating across reviewed studies shared they chose not to disclose primarily due to fears of discrimination and experience of stigma. Both the hopes (access to accommodations and supports) and fears (bullying and discrimination) were validated in the experienced consequences of disclosure. More research is needed on the contextual experiences of how individuals on the spectrum disclose their diagnosis at work.