Driven by purpose, weary in pursuit: Exploring competitive employment for autistic adults

Background: Autistic adults are notably underrepresented in the mainstream job market, with only 20% of them worldwide engaged in competitive employment. This underrepresentation carries significant societal and welfare costs. In our study, we explore the impact of competitive employment on autistic adults. Objective: We examine the dynamics of personal resources, job demands, resource losses, and resource gains within the context of adult autism and competitive employment. We seek to comprehend the motivating factors related to work and the prerequisites for its sustainment, joining the theoretical frameworks of Job Demands-Resources and Conservation of Resources. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with eight adults with autism who are employed in competitive roles. Thematic analysis was employed to identify categories and themes, further analyzed using inductive coding. Results: Competitive employment was associated with resource gains, including feeling of mastery, improved self-esteem, and enhanced social connectedness. However, participants also reported elevated post-work fatigue as a job demand. Managing post-work fatigue required personal resources, such as stress management strategies and adequate recovery time. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential of competitive employment to enhance the well-being among autistic adults. To realize these effects, both personal resources and a supportive work environment are crucial.