Process evaluation of an autism-specific workplace tool for employers

Abstract

Background

Limited studies exist exploring employers’ capacity in hiring and supporting employees on the autism spectrum, and even fewer have considered interventions targeting employers’ skills and knowledge in enhancing employment opportunities. In response to this need, the Integrated Employment Success Tool (IEST^TM) was developed and its effectiveness established in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Furthermore, a process evaluation was conducted to determine the usability and implementation of the IEST^TM.

Aims/objectives

The process evaluation was conducted to determine employers’ perceived usability, implementation, and perceived barriers and facilitators in using the IEST^TM.

Material and methods

Employers (N = 29) provided their feedback via an online questionnaire. Of these, 11 participants were interviewed, further exploring their experiences. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

While employers’ frequency and usage of the IEST^TM varied across workplaces, it was predominantly used to increase employers’ knowledge of autism and implement workplace strategies. A major barrier was the paper-based format of the intervention, with more than 60% of employers indicating the need for an online version.

Conclusions and significance

The process evaluation was a critical step in understanding why the IEST^TM was effective, and how it could be further optimized for prospective employers.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• complex intervention
• employment
• hiring
• work environment

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks and special mention go to Emeritus Professor Sylvia Rodger AM, who inspired the development of the IEST^TM. Her passion for creating a more inclusive community for all individuals on the autism spectrum and her commitment to conducting research at a high and ethical standard guided this study. Thank you to all the participants who contributed in this study. Our sincere thanks also to Mary-Ann Spearing for her professionalism and assistance in conducting the interviews. Thank you to Greg Lynn for his time and effort transcribing the interviews and Aim Employment of the Autism Association of Western Australia for their ongoing support. Lastly, to Ciara Mitchell, thank you for your hard work, time and dedication assisting in the analysis and refinement of the data.

Author contributions

Authors MS, MF, TF and SG contributed to design of the process evaluation trial. MS, RK and MF collected, analysed and interpreted the data. MS drafted the manuscript. MS, MF, RK, TF and SG revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program. The authors acknowledge the financial support of Curtin University to Melissa Scott through the Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.