Inside the Autistic Workforce
A National Survey of Autistic Employees on Their Workplace Experience – and What Employers Need to Know
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The autistic adults we connected with shared their experiences and insights on:
- Accomodations
- Masking
- Hiring and HR
- Job satisfaction
- The role of managers
- What employers should know
Findings identify "The Manager Effect" and hidden gaps in workplace support.
don't know what supports are available without disclosing
are unfamiliar with the range of workplace accommodations once hired
are unfamiliar with the legal rights to reasonable accomodations
ABOUT THIS SURVEY
Completed in 2026, this mixed-methods study was developed and led by NEXT for AUTISM, in partnership with Sago, a global research firm, and funded by the Anita Bhatia Foundation for Tomorrow. The instrument was developed with autistic and neurodivergent staff, advisors, and subject matter experts to ensure the questions and analysis reflected authentic workplace realities. The more than 400 respondents reflect a broad cross-section of the autism spectrum.
FREE WORKPLACE RESOURCES
NEXT for AUTISM offers free tools and resources that support every facet of supporting a neuroinclusive workplace, including a bi-directional mentorship program, live panels and webinars, and downloadable assets for employees and employers.
