Background: Autistic adults frequently have negative workplace experiences, as well as challenges with their psychological health, yet few studies have examined the linkages among aspects of employment and mental health in this group. To address this gap, we drew from the Job Demands-Resources model to investigate which aspects of employment were associated with psychological health outcomes in autistic adults. Methods: Participants were autistic adults ( n = 109; 18–43 years old) employed in community settings, who completed online surveys and interviews about aspects of employment (perceived workplace climate, part-time vs. full-time employment, and occupational contact with others) and psychological health (depressive symptoms, psychological quality of life PQOL). Results: Perceived workplace climate was the only aspect of employment significantly associated with psychological health; adults who reported more positive workplace climates had higher PQOL. Workplace climate was more strongly associated with PQOL among adults in this sample who were older (vs. younger) and had lower (vs. higher) daily living skills. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of safe and supportive workplace climates for autistic adults, especially for those who have more challenges with daily living skills and are further into adulthood. Importantly, results may not generalize to those from racial or ethnically diverse backgrounds, nor to autistic adults who are minimally verbal or would otherwise be unable to self-report.
Mueller et al. (2026) studied this question.