Supporting Autistic Employees in Learning in the Workplace: A Qualitative Phenomenological Investigation in the Israeli High-tech Context

This research project investigates which factors support autistic employees in their learning in the workplace, with particular focus on the Israeli high-tech industry, through a qualitative, interview-based approach. Notably, in a neurotypically-dominant environment, autistic individuals are challenged in areas such as social intelligence, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and communication skills (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These skills are important to success and retention, as well as the creation of effective work environments, in a global environment that has undergone major transformation in the last few decades with the advancement of technology (World Economic Forum, 2023). However, autistic individuals offer unique strengths relevant in workplace settings; amongst them are a good memory, meticulous accuracy, exceptional detail orientation, love of learning, and the ability to focus for long periods of time (Wong, Donelly, Neck, & Boyd, 2018). To fully utilize the strengths of these individuals, it is important that learning and development activities are made as accessible as possible, taking their neurological differences into account for effective inclusion. This dissertation encompasses a thorough review of the literature to consider various facets of this issue, along with rich qualitative data of individuals’ experiences related to the phenomenon of learning in the workplace. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen individuals: ten autistic employees in the high-tech industry, and five specialists who support autistic individuals in the employment context. Thematic analysis yielded five primary themes that inform effective learning outcomes: a training syllabus, the delivery method, the environment (physical and social), the learning materials themselves, and unique aspects of the autistic learner. A key outcome of this research is a model of practical and actionable strategies for autistic employees, managers of autistic employees, and trainers in technological contexts. This tool will enable valuable inclusion and effective learning experiences for autistic employees in their learning activities in the workplace.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

dba

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Ben-Gal, Oren

• H Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol (Cyffredinol)

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3192