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JEL Classification System

J24, J71, M12, M14, J24

Abstract

Persons with Autism (PWAs) have unique skills and abilities to contribute to a productive workplace. Companies often do not hire them because these firms believe they have many limitations and that employing them would pose various challenges. This study determined the factors affecting the performance of PWAs, the challenges and benefits in employing them, and proposed a framework to guide employers in successfully integrating them in the workforce. A mixed-methods design was used with data collection tools such as video observations, focus group discussions and an organizational culture survey. Through the various data gathered, the challenges identified were the limited technical skills of the PWAs, their communication and socials skills such as observing boundaries, their lack of focus, and physical health. However, results also presented various benefits such as the ability to outperform their peers, improved relationships through increased sensitivity and understanding. After a thorough analysis of the data, the study presented two frameworks. From these challenges and benefits, one framework showed an understanding of PWA employee attributes. These PWA employee attributes consisted of cognitive skills, social skills, technical skills, and health. The other framework had identified the different facets in making the PWA achieve optimal performance in the workplace. These facets were physical layout, task matching, and organization.

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