Article: Working Toward Neurodiversity: How Organizations and Leaders Can Accommodate for Autism Spectrum Disorder Journal: Journal of Business and Management (JBM) 2016 Vol.22 No.1 pp.135 - 152 Abstract: In an increasingly relationship-oriented working world, social skills can be essential for job success. However, there is a growing number of working age adults who do not possess these heightened skills. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by specific difficulties with social interaction, and employers have legal obligations to reasonably accommodate for the particular needs associated with this disorder. To date, research has generally focused on identification, treatment, and prevention in children. Much less research has been devoted to the issues of ASD in adulthood, in particular in employment situations. An exploratory investigation was conducted to discover strategies that managers and organizations can use to accommodate for employees with ASD. From the research emerged five distinct themes: understanding, flexibility, motivation, direct communication, and ongoing support. Using this framework, several theoretical propositions are made and theoretical implications and avenues for future research are discussed. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Working Toward Neurodiversity: How Organizations and Leaders Can Accommodate for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors: Stephanie R. Seitz; Sara A. Smith

Addresses: Author address listing can be found in the "About the Authors" section at the end of the article.

Abstract: In an increasingly relationship-oriented working world, social skills can be essential for job success. However, there is a growing number of working age adults who do not possess these heightened skills. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by specific difficulties with social interaction, and employers have legal obligations to reasonably accommodate for the particular needs associated with this disorder. To date, research has generally focused on identification, treatment, and prevention in children. Much less research has been devoted to the issues of ASD in adulthood, in particular in employment situations. An exploratory investigation was conducted to discover strategies that managers and organizations can use to accommodate for employees with ASD. From the research emerged five distinct themes: understanding, flexibility, motivation, direct communication, and ongoing support. Using this framework, several theoretical propositions are made and theoretical implications and avenues for future research are discussed.

Keywords: Neurodiversity; autism spectrum disorder; workplace accommodation; social skills; employment strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/JBM.2016.141240

Journal of Business and Management, 2016 Vol.22 No.1, pp.135 - 152

Published online: 05 Sep 2024 *

Title: Working Toward Neurodiversity: How Organizations and Leaders Can Accommodate for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keep up-to-date