In recent years, there have been increased efforts to improve employment opportunities for individuals on the spectrum. The Multiple Autism Employment Tech Report examines how autistic people interact with technology, employment, and the job market. The report is created by Multiple, a group that focuses on innovation and helping the autism community. Qrkiez has summarized the report’s key points, but the complete study can be found here.
Many autistic individuals have skills, interests, and talents that are highly valuable in technology jobs, such as programming, data science, and pattern recognition. They want to work, but many face significant obstacles beyond their capabilities, such as workplaces, job processes, tools, or environments that aren’t set up in ways that support their unique needs.
For starters, the hiring process often creates barriers for those on the spectrum. Traditional job applications and interviews often focus on social skills, eye contact, small talk, or behaving in certain ways—things that may be harder or different for autistic people.
Some tools and workplace setups are not flexible. For instance, if a person needs time to process information, or a calmer environment, or different ways to communicate, these options typically aren’t available. Autistic people often need frequent breaks as well. When technology is set up properly, it has the power to reduce these obstacles, help people showcase their abilities, and make work more accessible.
The study looked at the following solutions that might help autistic people overcome these barriers:
- Assistive technology: Tools or software designed to support differences in attention, learning, sensory processing, etc.
- Flexible hiring/interviewing: Methods that provide more than one way for autistic people to show what they can do, not just verbal interviews or looking for social performance.
- Supportive workplace practices: Clear expectations and communication, predictable schedules, sensory-friendly environments, and opportunities for breaks.
- Training/mentorship: Having people who understand autism help train, mentor, and provide ongoing support.
- Community & peer support: Connecting with others who have similar experiences helps for advice, encouragement, and shared learning.
Steps You Can Take as a Neurodivergent Job-Seeker
- If you’re looking for work or considering careers in tech, look for companies that explicitly support neurodiversity. Ask if they use flexible interview methods or offer accommodations.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need—whether that’s more time, quiet space, tools to help you organize, or ways to show your skills beyond just talking in an interview.
- Try out assistive tech or apps ahead of time, if possible. Getting comfortable with tools that help with communication, light or sound sensitivity, and organization can reduce stress.
- Connect with peer groups or mentoring—other autistic people who’ve gone through similar things. They can often offer tips that institutions or non-neurodivergent individuals may not consider.
- Families can advocate for better supports—both in school (so skills are built) and in workplaces. Sometimes that means talking to HR, managers, or tech developers about what works.
- Employers or organizations: It’s not just “helping people with autism.” When supports are built well, everyone benefits. Predictability, clearer communication, and tools that improve focus can help neurotypical people, too. Building inclusive workplaces benefits everybody.
There are signs of positive change. More programs and companies are recognizing how valuable autistic talent is—things like creativity, attention to detail, and different perspectives. Technology is improving, and more tools are being designed with autistic people, not just for them, which usually leads to more useful solutions. Conversations about neurodiversity are louder, and more people are realizing that “one size fits all” doesn’t work.
The tide is changing, but employers still have a way to go to meet the needs of—and benefitting from—autistic workers.