Global Strategies for Inclusive Employment: Workplace Accommodation Policies and Practices for Autistic Adults

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a developmental disorder involving significant difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behavior. This systematic review assesses international workplace accommodation policies and inclusive employment practices that can be used to improve the participation, retention, and workplace satisfaction of autistic adults.

Methods: Five databases—PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library—were used to find articles published from 2015 onward. The studies eligible for the review included adult patients of autism (18–65 years) who were employed or searching for employment and assessed workplace/policy level interventions. The synthesis of data was done following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and nine studies were selected through the process of appraisal using CASP and JBI tools.

Results: Thematic synthesis identified four commonly occurring domains: (1) disclosure and psychological safety, (2) the effectiveness of individual accommodations, including flexible schedules, sensory-friendly spaces, and job coaching, (3) managerial readiness and neurodiversity training, and (4) global policy implementation disparities. The findings show consistent improvement in job satisfaction, retention, and performance within the work environment for those with disabilities through structured accommodation and supportive leadership. However, the majority of these findings came from high-income countries, with few longitudinal studies conducted to validate these results.

Conclusion: An inclusive approach to employment for autistic individuals requires more than just legal frameworks; it requires organizational preparedness, psychologically safe disclosure procedures, and participatory workplace environments.