Abstract
International studies show disadvantages for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the labor market. Data about their participation in the German labor market are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the integration of adults with ASD in the German labor market in terms of education, employment and type of occupation by means of a cross-sectional-study, using a postal questionnaire. Findings show above average levels of education for adults with ASD compared to the general population of Germany and simultaneously, below average rates of employment and high rates of financial dependency. That indicates a poor integration of adults with ASD in the German labor market and emphasizes the need for vocational support policies for adults with ASD.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a chronic course and individuals with ASD face lifelong challenges (Lyall et al, 2017)
Further studies showed that the employment rate of adults with ASD is significantly lower than rates of adults with other disabilities and that salary is significantly lower for employed adults with ASD than for adults with other disabilities (Roux et al, 2013; Shattuck et al, 2012)
Several studies indicate that most adults with ASD, who are enrolled in the labor market, only have part-time jobs, meaning they work less than 20 h a week (Baldwin et al, 2014; Migliore et al, 2012)
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a chronic course and individuals with ASD face lifelong challenges (Lyall et al, 2017). Adults with ASD show high rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders (Howlin & Magiati, 2017; Hudson et al, 2019), co-occurring intellectual disability (ID; Postorino et al, 2016) and impaired daily living skills (Bal et al, 2015) They often experience poor social and functional outcomes (Sasson et al, 2020). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders with employers for example regarding the required support at work or the expected productivity level In this context, difficulties of prioritization, self-organization, repetitive and maladaptive behavior (behavior that interferes with everyday activities) can hinder adults with ASD in the successful participation in the labor market (Howlin et al, 2004; Müller et al, 2003, 2008; Ohl et al, 2017). The few hitherto existing studies on education and employment status of adults with ASD in Germany confirmed previous results, showing rates of unemployment of more than 40% (Lorenz & Heinitz, 2014; Proft, 2012) and disadvantages for adults with ASD regarding their participation in the labor market, especially in terms of unemployment, early retirement and underemployment (Frank et al, 2018; Riedel et al, 2016)
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