'If I'm Just Me, I Doubt I'd Get the Job': A Qualitative Exploration of Autistic People's Experiences in Job Interviews
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| Title: | 'If I'm Just Me, I Doubt I'd Get the Job': A Qualitative Exploration of Autistic People's Experiences in Job Interviews |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Finn, Mikaela, Flower, Rebecca L. (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. Oct 2023 27(7):2086-2097. |
| 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: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Job Applicants, Employment Interviews, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Interpersonal Competence, Behavior, Anxiety, Work Environment, Adults, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613231153480 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Autistic people face many challenges entering the workforce, for example, during job interviews where performance is reliant on particular social skills. To be competitive during job interviews, autistic people may experience pressure to conceal or 'camouflage' their autistic traits and behaviour. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the job interview experiences of 10 autistic people. Based on the literature, we were curious as to whether participants would report behaviour consistent with the camouflaging hypothesis. Thematic analysis identified six themes reflecting individual and environmental factors. Participants reported engaging in camouflaging behaviour during job interviews, with external factors (e.g. avoid being treated differently) cited as the primary reason. Participants reported that camouflaging required effort, leading to stress, anxiety, exhaustion and feeling 'burnt out'. They expressed a desire for an inclusive, understanding and accommodating environment where they would feel more comfortable disclosing their diagnosis without feeling they needed to conceal their autistic traits and behaviour. These preliminary findings add to the current literature regarding autism, camouflaging and employment. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1393096 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Autistic people face many challenges entering the workforce, for example, during job interviews where performance is reliant on particular social skills. To be competitive during job interviews, autistic people may experience pressure to conceal or 'camouflage' their autistic traits and behaviour. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the job interview experiences of 10 autistic people. Based on the literature, we were curious as to whether participants would report behaviour consistent with the camouflaging hypothesis. Thematic analysis identified six themes reflecting individual and environmental factors. Participants reported engaging in camouflaging behaviour during job interviews, with external factors (e.g. avoid being treated differently) cited as the primary reason. Participants reported that camouflaging required effort, leading to stress, anxiety, exhaustion and feeling 'burnt out'. They expressed a desire for an inclusive, understanding and accommodating environment where they would feel more comfortable disclosing their diagnosis without feeling they needed to conceal their autistic traits and behaviour. These preliminary findings add to the current literature regarding autism, camouflaging and employment. |
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| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613231153480 |
