'I did what I could to earn some money and be of use': A qualitative exploration of autistic people's journeys to career success and fulfilment.
Jade Davies, Rachel Melinek, Adam Livesey and 5 others
PMID 39704020WHAT IT FOUND
Autistic adults defined career success by personal fulfilment rather than status or pay.
They identified poor support, social isolation, and inaccessible workplaces as key barriers. Positive outcomes relied on gradual transitions, workplace adjustments, and a sense of belonging.
Key findings
01Participants prioritised intrinsic fulfilment, such as helping others or personal growth, over extrinsic markers like salary or promotion.
02Career trajectories were significantly shaped by turning points, including autism diagnosis, ill health, and economic changes, often requiring realignment of self and career goals.
03Workplace challenges included inadequate formal support, social isolation, bullying, and sensory barriers, which negatively impacted mental health and career sustainability.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The sample was relatively narrow, with most participants being well-educated and working in the education sector. Few participants held managerial responsibilities, limiting insights into career progression at higher levels. Many participants had a history of frequent job changes, which may have skewed perceptions of career success and progression.
Declared interests
The study was funded by an Autistica research grant. Research at the UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education is supported by the Pears Foundation.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that specific workplace interventions improve employment outcomes. This is a qualitative exploration of experiences, not a controlled trial of effectiveness.