Educational and vocational engagement and participation
Researchers: Darren Hedley, Amanda Richdale, Simon Bury, Rebecca Flower, Josephine Barbaro, Melissa Gilbert, Lauren Lawson
Vocation (e.g. employment, study) can empower autistic adults to become more engaged, active and independent within their communities. The SASLA study found that young autistic Australians were:
- more likely to NOT be engaged in either study or work,
- more likely to be studying without working at the same time, and
- much less likely to study and work at the same time.
We are continuing work on the benefits to autistic individuals, employers and broader society of enhancing rates of autism employment, and on ensuring an individual differences approach to supporting autistic strengths at work.
A growing body of research is studying the barriers and enablers for autism employment.| Barriers | Enablers |
|---|
| Social difficulties | Counseling |
| Work-related stress | Guidance |
| | Job search assistance |
| | Workplace accommodations |
La Trobe University researchers and partners have developed a world-first toolkit to assist workplaces to better support the mental health of autistic employees.
Click here to read the article
New research – Supportive employment practices: perspectives of autistic employees
Hedley, D., Spoor, J. R., Cai, R, Y., Uljarevic, M., Bury, S., Gal, E., Moss, S., Richdale, A., Bartram, T., Dissanayake, C. (2021). Advances in Autism, 7(1), 28-40. doi: 10.1108/AIA-09-2019-0029
Autistic people face significant barriers to entering the workforce, which can make an important contribution to their well-being. Nine autistic adults participated in three focus groups aiming to understand the autistic experience around recruitment, selection, training, and onboarding in a supportive employment ICT program. We found four themes:
- trainees’ previous work experiences,
- expectations of the employment program,
- recruitment, and
- selection processes; and training and transition.
Overall, trainees in the program supported the use of alternate recruitment and selection processes.
Where to now? Our next step is identify ideal factors and support systems linked to successful employment for autistic people that lead to long-lasting and meaningful careers.
Read more
External Resources
The ‘Supporting a Neurodiverse Workforce: A mental health and well-being resource and training package’ was designed to support the mental health and well-being of employees on the autism spectrum. It presents current, evidence-based information, and strategies about mental health and well-being, with specific information about mental health and autism. This project has been made possible due to the generous support of DXC Technology and the ANZ Bank, in partnership with the La Trobe University Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC).
The training package originated from the DXC Technology Dandelion Program. The Dandelion Program has been effective in recruiting, employing and supporting over 100 individuals on the autism spectrum in Information Communication Technology (ICT) roles. The program’s success is demonstrated by the ongoing achievements of candidates in the program, and the processes designed to support individual growth and development. Within the program, supervisors and support staff recognised that mental health concerns presented significant challenges to further achievement and growth. Importantly, they also recognised the absence of targeted and evidence-based information to support the mental well-being of employees on the autism spectrum in the workplace.
Given the lack of specific information to support the mental health of employees on the autism spectrum, this training package provides information for different audiences at different levels of specificity. For example, there is specific information for different end-users: executives, supervisors, mentors/colleagues, and employees on the autism spectrum. The modular training structure has also been designed to be a quick reference guide for mental health information and strategies, an in-depth information source with useful resources, or a full training course that can be used to establish workplace competency in mental health and autism.
Further Developments
With support from Untapped Holdings, this training package has been turned into an in-person training, as well as train-the-trainer training. It is currently being developed into an online course that will provide digital content and learning, to support the wellbeing of employees on the autism spectrum.
For information about the package, or the upcoming online training, please contact Simon Bury (s.bury@latrobe.edu.au).
Current Studies
| Study | Description | Researchers |
|---|
Understanding the Experience of Autistic Working Mothers in Australia: An Exploratory Study Funding: La Trobe University | This study aims to understand the benefits and challenges autistic women experience in being a parent/caregiver and being employed. It also aims to identify specific supports that are needed for autistic women who manage caring and work responsibilities. | Katherine (Kate) Gore (Masters candidate, clinical psyc)
Josephine Barbaro
Melissa Gilbert
Rebecca Flower |
Success in Higher Education for Neurodivergent Students Funding: La Trobe University | Exploring the higher education experiences of neurodivergent students in order to better support them to complete their studies. | Lyndel Kennedy (PhD candidate)
Amanda Richdale
Lauren Lawson |
Interviewer perceptions of atypical workplace behaviours of an autistic jobseeker under disability disclosed or hidden conditions; evoking attribution and intergroup contact theory Funding: La Trobe University | Exploring how diagnostic disclosure, attribution and intergroup contact theory might influence employment outcomes for autistic job seekers. | Olivia Corrente (Honours candidate)
Rebecca Flower
Darren Hedley |
The Lab: Establishing an understanding of the operation of a technology club for autistic teens. Funding: La Trobe University School of Psychology and Public Health – Income Growth Grant Scheme | | Rebecca Flower
Amanda Richdale
Cheryl Dissanayake |
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