Unlocking Potential: An Integrative Literature Review Exploring Workplace Learning and Development Experiences of Autistic Employees

People with autism experience some of the highest unemployment rates of people with disabilities, yet many also report wanting to work. Workplace learning and development (L&D) experiences have been associated with positive outcomes for all employees, including job satisfaction, performance, retention, career advancement, and overall well-being. However, autistic employees often encounter barriers that limit their opportunities for and interfere with the potential benefits of L&D. In this integrative literature review, we explore workplace L&D experiences of autistic employees using a search of recent literature combined with thematic analysis. This review identifies key barriers to workplace L&D for employees with autism, including inaccessible work settings, processes, and practices; insufficient accommodations; and limited knowledge and awareness that contributes to bias and discrimination from supervisors and colleagues. Factors that facilitate positive L&D outcomes for autistic employees were also discovered, such as inclusive organizational cultures and environments, individualized support, and informed and supportive leadership. The review highlights a critical and ongoing gap in human resource development (HRD) research and practice. The transformative impact HRD can have by supporting a diverse workforce and workplace L&D to unlock the potential of autistic employees is explored. Practical recommendations about ways to better support the inclusion and L&D of autistic employees and suggestions for future research are provided.