Unlocking Potential: An Integrative Literature Review Exploring Workplace Learning and Development Experiences of Autistic Employees
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| Title: | Unlocking Potential: An Integrative Literature Review Exploring Workplace Learning and Development Experiences of Autistic Employees |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Christopher M. Boldon (ORCID |
| Source: | New Horizons in Adult Education & Human Resource Development. 2026 38(2):145-160. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses |
| Descriptors: | Workplace Learning, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Supervisor Supervisee Relationship, Organizational Culture, Influences, Employees |
| DOI: | 10.1177/19394225251383746 |
| ISSN: | 1939-4225 |
| Abstract: | 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. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504094 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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| ISSN: | 1939-4225 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/19394225251383746 |
