Challenges for females with high functioning autism in the workplace: a systematic review
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerHayward, S. M., McVilly, K. R., & Stokes, M. A. (2016). Challenges for females with high functioning autism in the workplace: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(3), 249-258. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1254284
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
PURPOSE: Individuals with High Functioning Autism (HFA) experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment, resulting in negative economic, social, and health outcomes. Given what is known about labor market participation difficulties experienced by women generally, and the paucity of research concerning women with HFA, this systematic review synthesized what is known about the labor market experiences of women with HFA. METHOD: A systematic review of the literature concerning adult females with HFA in relation to the workplace yielded 1947 results; 11 met inclusion criteria being based on original data, but not necessarily focusing solely on women. RESULTS: The total number participants with HFA across all studies was 731 (M = 66.45, SD = 95.44, Mdn = 18.00) aged between 18 and 70 years (M = 34.38, SD = 7.71); females represented 38% (n = 279) of those sampled. The principal challenges reported for individuals with HFA at work were communication, social interaction, and stress, together with negative mental and physical health. CONCLUSION: These results should be interpreted with caution. Of the studies found, 73% were qualitative and based on small samples. Only one paper differentiated female data in analyses. These factors combined suggest large-scale mixed method research focused on females with HFA is required to gain an accurate insight into the challenges faced in the workplace, to in turn inform intervention and support. However, implications for rehabilitation based on what is known are discussed. Implication for Rehabilitation Unemployment and underemployment of persons with High Functioning Autism (HFA) poses social, health and economic issues for both individuals and the wider community. Those with HFA have the intellectual capacity to make a substantial contribution to the workplace. Based on what is known, some of the challenges for females with HFA might be similar to those experienced by men with HFA, however it is possible that there are gender-based differences (in both type and severity of challenges) that require attention.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Cited bibliography overview
These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 17 Oct 2026 01:01.
- With a DOI
- 47
- Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
- 23
- References with detected author names
- 57 / 70 (81.4%)
- Without detected author names
- 13
- Without a structured title
- 17
- Without a stable identifier
- 21
- References with raw author names still to review
- 12
- References with external metadata lookup issues
- 1
- From DOI or external metadata
- 253
- From validated raw bibliography text
- 0
- Raw names already validated
- 0
- Raw names still to review
- 12
-
González Moreno, Andrés Santiago (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . American Psychiatric Association.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Julie A. Worley , Johnny L. Matson (2011). Psychiatric symptoms in children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: An examination of gender differences . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(3), 1086-1091. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Walter H. Gmelch , Wilbert Chan (1994). Thriving on stress for success. Principals taking action series . Thriving on stress for success. Principals taking action series.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W342804802Crossref OpenAlex
-
(n.d.). Attwood A. Is there a difference between Asperger's syndrome and high functioning autism, 2013 [cited 2015, Feb 10]. http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/index.php/publications/by-tony-attwood/new-resource-papers/69-is-there-a-difference-between-aspergers-syndrome-and-high-functioning-autism .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Tessa Taylor Rivet , Johnny L. Matson (2011). Review of gender differences in core symptomatology in autism spectrum disorders . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(3), 957-976. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Fritz-Georg Lehnhardt , Christine Michaela Falter , Astrid Gawronski , Kathleen Pfeiffer , Ralf Tepest , Jeremy Franklin et al. (2016). Sex-related cognitive profile in autism spectrum disorders diagnosed late in life: Implications for the female autistic phenotype . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(1), 139. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
(n.d.). Baio J. Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years – autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 Sites, United States, 2010. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2014;63:1–21.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Deborah J Schofield , Rupendra N Shrestha , Richard Percival , Megan E Passey , Emily J Callander , Simon J Kelly (2011). The personal and national costs of mental health conditions: impacts on income, taxes, government support payments due to lost labour force participation . BMC Psychiatry, 11(1), 72-72. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Eve Müller , Adriana Schuler , Barbara A. Burton , Gregory B. Yates (2003). Meeting the vocational support needs of individuals with Asperger Syndrome and other autism spectrum disabilities . Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 18(3), 163-175. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Stefan N. Hansen , Diana E. Schendel , Erik T. Parner (2015). Explaining the Increase in the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders . JAMA Pediatrics, 169(1), 56. American Medical Association (AMA).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Simon Janssen , Simone Tuor Sartore , Uschi Backes-Gellner (2016). Discriminatory Social Attitudes and Varying Gender Pay Gaps within Firms . ILR Review, 69(1), 253-279. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Selma Idring , Dheeraj Rai , Henrik Dal , Christina Dalman , Harald Sturm , Eric Zander et al. (2012). Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Stockholm Youth Cohort: Design, Prevalence and Validity . PLoS ONE, 7(7), e41280. Public Library of Science (PLoS).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Valentina Postorino , Laura Maria Fatta , Lavinia De Peppo , Giulia Giovagnoli , Marco Armando , Stefano Vicari et al. (2015). Longitudinal comparison between male and female preschool children with autism spectrum disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(7), 2046-2055. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Beate Krieger , Astrid Kinébanian , Birgit Prodinger , Franziska Heigl (2012). Becoming a member of the work force: Perceptions of adults with Asperger Syndrome . Work, 43(2), 141-157. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Young Shin Kim , Bennett L. Leventhal , Yun-Joo Koh , Éric Fombonne , Eugene Laska , Eun-Chung Lim et al. (2011). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Total Population Sample . American Journal of Psychiatry, 168(9), 904-912. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Vanessa P. Reinhardt , Amy M. Wetherby , Christopher Schatschneider , Catherine Lord (2015). Examination of Sex Differences in a Large Sample of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typical Development . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(3), 697-706. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Stephan Ehlers , Christopher Gillberg (1993). The Epidemiology of Asperger Syndrome . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 34(8), 1327-1350. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
S. Baron-Cohen , Sarah Cassidy , Bonnie Auyeung , C. Allison , Maryam Achoukhi , Sarah Robertson et al. (2014). Attenuation of Typical Sex Differences in 800 Adults with Autism vs. 3,900 Controls . PLoS ONE, 9(7), e102251. Public Library of Science (PLoS).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Susanna Baldwin , Debra Costley , Anthony Warren (2014). Employment Activities and Experiences of Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(10), 2440-2449. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Katharina Dworzynski , Angelica Ronald , Patrick Bolton , Francesca Happé (2012). How Different Are Girls and Boys Above and Below the Diagnostic Threshold for Autism Spectrum Disorders? Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 51(8), 788. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Tom Booth , Aja Louise Murray , Karen McKenzie , Renate Kuenssberg , Michael O’Donnell , Hollie Burnett (2013). Brief Report: An Evaluation of the AQ-10 as a Brief Screening Instrument for ASD in Adults . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(12), 2997-3000. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sander Begeer , DAVID S. MANDELL , Bernadette Wijnker-Holmes , Stance Venderbosch , Dorien Rem , Fred Stekelenburg et al. (2013). Sex Differences in the Timing of Identification Among Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(5), 1151-1156. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gould J (2011). CIT0009 Good Autism Pract, 12, 34.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Michael F. Hilton , Paul A. Scuffham , Nerina Vecchio , Harvey A. Whiteford (2010). Using the Interaction of Mental Health Symptoms and Treatment Status to Estimate Lost Employee Productivity . Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 44(2), 151-161. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Holly N Cukier , Nicole D Dueker , Susan H Slifer , Joycelyn M Lee , Patrice L Whitehead , Eminisha Lalanne et al. (2014). Exome sequencing of extended families with autism reveals genes shared across neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders . Molecular Autism, 5(1), 1-1. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Debra Lerner , David A. Adler , William H. Rogers , g Chang , Leueen Lapitsky , Thomas McLaughlin et al. (2010). Work Performance of Employees with Depression: The Impact of Work Stressors . American Journal of Health Promotion, 24(3), 205-213. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
William Mandy , Rebecca Chilvers , Uttom Chowdhury , Gemma Salter , Anna Seigal , David Skuse (2012). Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from a Large Sample of Children and Adolescents . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(7), 1304-1313. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sarah Cookson (2009). My own home: journey to independence . Housing, Care and Support, 12(2), 36-37. Emerald.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Meng-Chuan Lai , Michael Lombardo , Greg Pasco , Amber Ruigrok , Sally J. Wheelwright , Susan A. Sadek et al. (2011). A Behavioral Comparison of Male and Female Adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Conditions . PLoS ONE, 6(6), e20835. Public Library of Science (PLoS).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gemma M. Griffith , Vaso Totsika , Susie Nash , Richard P. Hastings (2012). ‘I just don’t fit anywhere’: support experiences and future support needs of individuals with Asperger syndrome in middle adulthood . Autism, 16(5), 532-546. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
(n.d.). Miller V. Investigating the female profile of autism (Doctoral dissertation), 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30035904 .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Danielle Mathersul , Skye McDonald , Jacqueline A. Rushby (2013). Understanding advanced theory of mind and empathy in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder . Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 35(6), 655-668. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Ronna Fried , Gagan Joshi , Amelia Kotte , Elana Kagan , Joseph Biederman (2013). Toward developing a simulated workplace laboratory for adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorders . Open Journal of Psychiatry, 03(03), 316-322. Scientific Research Publishing, Inc..OpenAlex
-
Éric Fombonne , Lee Tidmarsh (2003). Epidemiologic data on Asperger disorder . Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 12(1), 15-21. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Karen Hurlbutt , Lynne Chalmers (2004). Employment and Adults With Asperger Syndrome . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 19(4), 215-222. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
David L. Blustein , Saliha Kozan , Alice Connors-Kellgren (2013). Unemployment and underemployment: A narrative analysis about loss . Journal of Vocational Behavior, 82(3), 256-265. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rachel M. Hiller , Robyn L. Young , Nathan Weber (2014). Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder based on DSM-5 Criteria: Evidence from Clinician and Teacher Reporting . Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 42(8), 1381-1393. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
(n.d.). Smith J. The 20 people skills you need to succeed at work, 2013. [cited2015, Feb 13]. http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/11/15/the-20-people-skills-you-need-to-succeed-at-work/2/ .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Dawn Hendricks (2010). Employment and adults with autism spectrum disorders: Challenges and strategies for success . Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 32(2), 125-134. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Mayada Elsabbagh , Gauri Divan , Yun‐Joo Koh , Young Shin Kim , Shuaib Kauchali , Carlos Marcín et al. (2012). Global Prevalence of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders . Autism Research, 5(3), 160-179. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Eynat Gal , Efrat Landes , Noomi Katz (2015). Work performance skills in adults with and without high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASD) . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 10(1), 71-77. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Timo Lorenz , Kathrin Heinitz (2014). Aspergers – Different, not less: Occupational strengths and job interests of individuals with Asperger's syndrome. Unpublished.OpenCitations
-
Robin P. Goin-Kochel , Virginia H. Mackintosh , Barbara J. Myers (2006). How many doctors does it take to make an autism spectrum diagnosis? Autism, 10(5), 439-451. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Brizendine L (2010). Clashing views on psychological issues . Clashing views on psychological issues, 72.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Agnieszka Rynkiewicz , Björn Schuller , Erik Marchi , Stefano Piana , Antonio Camurri , Amandine Lassalle et al. (2016). An investigation of the ‘female camouflage effect’ in autism using a computerized ADOS-2 and a test of sex/gender differences . Molecular Autism, 7(1), 10. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Timo Lorenz , Kathrin Heinitz (2014). Aspergers – Different, Not Less: Occupational Strengths and Job Interests of Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome . PLoS ONE, 9(6), e100358. Public Library of Science (PLoS).Crossref OpenAlex
-
Goman CK. (2016). CIT0025 Personal Excel Essent, 21, 7.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Lisa Rosenthal , Amy Carroll-Scott , Valerie A. Earnshaw , Alycia Santilli , Jeannette R. Ickovics (2012). The importance of full-time work for urban adults' mental and physical health . Social Science & Medicine, 75(9), 1692-1696. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
(n.d.). Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS]. 6202. 0 – Labour Force, Australia, 2013. [cited 2016, Mar 25]. http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/6202 . 0Main+Features1Jan%202013?OpenDocument.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Timo Lorenz , Cora Frischling , Raphael Cuadros , Kathrin Heinitz (2016). Autism and Overcoming Job Barriers: Comparing Job-Related Barriers and Possible Solutions in and outside of Autism-Specific Employment . PLOS ONE, 11(1), e0147040. Public Library of Science (PLoS).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
(n.d.). Autism Spectrum Australia [Aspect]. We belong: The experiences, aspirations and needs of adults with Asperger’s disorder and high functioning autism, 2013.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Caroline Vandekinderen , Griet Roets , Michel Vandenbroeck , Wouter Vanderplasschen , Geert Van Hove (2012). One size fits all? The social construction of dis-employ-abled women . Disability & Society, 27(5), 703-716. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
(n.d.). Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS]. 4102. 0 – Australian Social Trends, 2014. [cited 2015, May 8]. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102 . 0main+ features72014.Type: OtherCrossref
-
(n.d.). Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS]. 4433. 0. 55. 006 – Disability and Labour Force Participation, 2012, 2015. [cited 2016, Apr 1]. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4433 . 0. 55. 006.Type: OtherCrossref
-
(n.d.). Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Employment continues to grow in 2014. [cited 2016, Mar 27]. https://www.destatis.de/EN/Publications/STATmagazin/LabourMarket/2015_02/2014_02Employment.html .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Arthur O’Reilly (2007). The right to decent work of persons with disabilities . The right to decent work of persons with disabilities.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2112665221Crossref OpenAlex
-
(n.d.). Eurostat. Employment rate of people by type of disability, sex and age, 2014. [cited 2015, Mar 27]. http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Duffy F (2009). Unemployment and Underemployment . Unemployment and Underemployment.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Michael Lombardo , S. Baron-Cohen (2010). Unraveling the paradox of the autistic self . WIREs Cognitive Science, 1(3), 393-403. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
(n.d.). Wylie I. Routing rust-out. Fast Company. 2004;78:40.Type: OtherCrossref
-
(2012). 2.64% of South Korean children aged 7 to 12 have autism spectrum disorders . Evidence Based Mental Health, 15(1), 11-11. BMJ.Type: Article DOI: 10.1136/ebmental-2011-100289 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.10101532OpenCitations
-
Leider R (1995). CIT0036 Training Dev, 49, 7.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Diane Smith Randolph (2005). The meaning of workplace discrimination for women with disabilities . WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, 24(4), 369-380. SAGE Publications.OpenAlex
-
Randolph DS. (2005). CIT0045 Work, 24, 369.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Jon Baio , Lisa Wiggins , Deborah L. Christensen , Matthew J Maenner , Julie Daniels , Zachary Warren et al. (2018). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2014 . MMWR. Surveillance Summaries, 67(6), 1-23. Centers for Disease Control MMWR Office.OpenAlex
-
Shafiq Dhanani , Iyanatul Islam , Anis Chowdhury (2009). Unemployment and underemployment . In The Indonesian Labour Market (pp. 69-97). Routledge.OpenAlex
-
Fried R (2013). CIT0047 Open J Psychiatry, 3, 316.Type: OtherCrossref
-
McGraw PA (2011). Women at work: research, policy, and practice . Women at work: research, policy, and practice.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Workplace Gender Equality Agency (2014). Gender composition of the workforce: by industry . Gender composition of the workforce: by industry.Type: OtherCrossref
-
(n.d.). US Department of Labor. Women's bureau, latest annual data, 2014. [cited 2015, Jul 19]. http://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/latest_annual_data.htm#labor .Type: OtherCrossref