Sources and impact of occupational demands for autistic employees

Background: Occupational demands are well documented for the general population. Social relationships are one such demand, according to job demands-resources theory. When demands exceed an individual's available resources, stress results; in turn impacting well-being. Little research has investigated the potential differences between social demands, the impact of demands and relationships that buffer these comparing autistic and non-autistic (i.e., neuro-typical; NT) individuals. Method: Using an online survey, the present exploratory study gathered 140 responses. Thematic analysis was applied. Results: Different facets of social relationships were described by autistic (n = 81) and NT individuals (n = 31) as an occupational demand. Together, demands appear to have a greater impact on well-being for autistic, compared to NT, employees. To buffer demands, both autistic and NT individuals expressed relationships with management as important. Yet, autistic employees favoured non-organisational supports, compared to NT individuals who favoured collegial support. Conclusions: By understanding individual needs and providing flexible work practices, supportive management processes can assist autistic individuals in managing workplace demands, particularly improving social interactions in the work environment. Employers might also consider adapting job roles and organisational diversity policies to better suit individual needs. As well, providing additional external supports, e.g., via employee assistance programs.