Authors: Amie D. Bowman
This article addresses the research question “what do we know about organizational leadership behaviors or characteristics that create positive employment outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?” Multiple studies have reviewed the experiences of individuals with ASD, disability and vocational service providers, teachers, and family members to try and improve employment outcomes for individuals with ASD by identifying factors associated with successful transition to work. Research demonstrates that job activities that encourage and support independence reduce ASD symptoms and increase daily living skills in adults. However, there are very few empirical studies that investigate the role of organizational leadership in integrating adults with ASD into the workplace. The limited studies available indicate that there are four key leadership behaviors or characteristics that are important for those leading individuals with ASD: providing clear and direct communication, knowing about ASD, providing individualized consideration, and creating a work environment accepting of neurodiversity.
View/Download pdf