Cited by 9Work-Family Balance ChallengesWorkplace Health and Well-beingDisability Education and Employment

Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review

Open access
Brooks, S K, Hall, C E, Rogers, M B, Greenberg, N·2024·Occupational Medicine

Abstract

Background: Working from home (WFH) is becoming more common, but little is known about how it specifically affects neuro-divergent workers’ psychological and occupational well-being. Aims: This review aimed to explore the experiences of neuro-divergent staff WFH, including the challenges they face; the potential benefits of homeworking for this specific population and the support systems they require. Methods: We searched six electronic databases, as well as reference lists of included papers, one preprint server and Google, for literature on neuro-divergent workers’ experiences of WFH. Results were synthesized using thematic analysis. Results: We reviewed 25 studies (mostly based on data collected during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic), finding very little research statistically analysing the impact of WFH on well-being or productivity, or comparing the impact of WFH across neuro-divergent and neuro-typical populations. The (mostly qualitative) findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described various benefits and challenges of the sensory environment at home; the reduction of commuting; increased flexibility and lack of routine when homeworking; the reduction of ‘masking’ behaviours; lack of in-person social contact and increased use of technology. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of not assuming a one-size-fits-all approach to homeworking and suggest managers should be mindful of workers’ individual preferences for working whilst ensuring that all employees are appropriately supported. The results can inform future research and provide insights for employers to help them create more inclusive work environments.

Verified 2026-10-07 · 2 references not checked yet

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This systematic review of 25 studies found mostly qualitative evidence that homeworking has mixed, individual effects for neuro-divergent workers, with benefits and challenges across sensory environment, commuting, flexibility/routine, masking, social contact, and technology. It concludes there is little robust statistical evidence and recommends avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to support.

Key findings

  • The review included 25 studies, mostly based on COVID-19 pandemic data; only two studies statistically examined WFH impact on neuro-divergent workers. One found WFH was associated with a marginally significant increase in distress and a significant decline in satisfaction of psychological needs for competence and autonomy; another found ADHD hybrid workers had significantly lower depressive symptoms than fully on-site workers, with work location not predicting productivity or quality of life, while neuro-typical hybrid/homeworking was associated with higher depressive symptoms, presenteeism, work impairment, activity impairment and lower quality of life.
  • Qualitative themes showed mixed effects: increased control over the sensory environment reduced sensory overload for many, but noise/interruptions from cohabitants could cause overwhelm; lack of commuting reduced stress for many but removed routine, exercise and a work/home boundary for others; increased flexibility and autonomy contrasted with lack of structure affecting mood, motivation and time management.
  • Social and technology changes were also mixed: reduced in-person contact lessened small-talk stress for some but meant missing colleagues for others; increased emails, messaging and video calls could improve efficiency or cause exhaustion, “Zoom fatigue”, concentration difficulties and unclear turn-taking/non-verbal cues.
  • One study reported 34% believed WFH helped their focus and increased productivity, while 23% said WFH made them “more aware of the challenges they faced.” Recommendations included flexible hours, help with schedules/routines, noise-cancelling headphones, separate workspace, clear feedback, inclusive remote meeting practices and neurodiversity awareness training.

Methods

  • Systematic review; no protocol was prepared/registered. Searches covered six electronic databases (Web of Science, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, Global Health, Business Source Complete) from inception to 20 March 2024, plus reference lists, PsyArXiv, and the first 50 Google results for “neuro-divergent WFH.”
  • Inclusion criteria required adult neuro-divergent workers with a clinical diagnosis, self-identification, or score above cut-off for a neuro-divergent condition, some homeworking experience, any sector, and English publication; studies only of non-neuro-divergent people or only employers/colleagues were excluded. Twenty-five studies were included.
  • Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis in NVivo. Quality was assessed with the AXIS tool or CASP Qualitative Checklist; 17/25 studies were rated “good” or “very high” quality.

Limitations

  • The paper states most included studies were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when homeworking was not voluntary and the shift was abrupt, so findings may not reflect WFH outside a crisis; most studies had small, unrepresentative samples; only four studies included participants from more than one country; most focused on ASD or ADHD; no research looked at new starters homeworking; the review was restricted to English-language studies; and additional databases or search terms may reveal more.
  • The paper states there was little robust statistical analysis: one statistical study was based on 23 employees in Israel with unclear generalizability, and another focused only on undiagnosed workers in Japan with neurodivergence based on an ADHD measure rather than clinical diagnosis.
  • Evident from the text: the review describes using quality appraisal tools but later states it did not carry out a systematic quality appraisal, an inconsistency; many findings rely on qualitative studies with mixed or contradictory themes, limiting generalizable conclusions.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1093/occmed/kqae095

Cites

54 of 56 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 188 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described increased flexibility and lack of routine when homeworking.

    “increased flexibility and lack of routine when homeworking”
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    The (mostly qualitative) findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described various benefits and challenges of the sensory environment at home.

    “The (mostly qualitative) findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described various benefits and challenges of the sensory environment at home”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The review found very little research comparing the impact of WFH across neuro-divergent and neuro-typical populations.

    “or comparing the impact of WFH across neuro-divergent and neuro-typical populations.”
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    The findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described increased use of technology.

    “increased use of technology”
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    The findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described the reduction of commuting.

    “the reduction of commuting”
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    The review found very little research statistically analysing the impact of WFH on well-being or productivity.

    “finding very little research statistically analysing the impact of WFH on well-being or productivity”
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    Quantitative studies most often lost points for not reporting response rates or not adequately discussing non-responders.

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    Needing to use the same space for work, hobbies and relaxing was difficult and participants who had to work from their bedrooms found this negatively affected their productivity and mental health.

    “Needing to use the same space for work, hobbies and relaxing was difficult and participants who had to work from their bedrooms found this negatively affected their productivity and mental health [39].”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    For neuro-typical participants, hybrid and homeworking were associated with higher depressive symptoms, presenteeism, work impairment, activity impairment and lower quality of life.

    “However, for neuro-typical participants, hybrid and homeworking were associated with higher depressive symptoms, presenteeism, work impairment, activity impairment and lower quality of life.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [46] Ishimoto, 2023, Benefits of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic for undiagnosed workers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat source

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    Full-text screening resulted in eight exclusions and nine inclusions.

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    Working in the home meant there was no clear division between home and work environments, which made it difficult to maintain an appropriate balance.

    “Working in the home meant there was no clear division between home and work environments, which made it difficult to maintain an appropriate balance [39,42,44,48,55,57,58].”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    • cites [44] Hannam-Swain, 2021, Considering Covid-19: autoethnographic reflections on working practices in a time of crisis by two disabled UK academics, Soc Sci Humanit Open

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    • cites [48] McNaughton, 2014, ‘Home is at work and work is at home’: telework and individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication, Work source

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    • cites [55] Szulc, 2023, Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: lessons for HR

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    • cites [57] Tomczak, 2022, Remote work support needs of employees with autism spectrum disorder in Poland: perspectives of individuals with autism and their coworkers, Int J Environ Res Public Health source

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    • cites [58] UNISON, 2020

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    Hand-searching resulted in 10 additional studies being included, and screening of Google results identified 6 additional articles, leaving a total of 25 studies included in the review.

    “Hand-searching resulted in 10 additional studies being included, and screening of Google results identified 6 additional articles, leaving a total of 25 studies included in the review.”
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    Findingcitation

    One study found that 34% of participants believed that WFH had helped their focus and increased their productivity.

    “One study [49] found that 34% of participants ('n' not reported) believed that WFH had helped their focus and increased their productivity”
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    • cites [49] O2, 2021

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    Following title screening, 111 citations were excluded and a further 42 were excluded based on the abstract.

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    Database searches yielded 275 citations, of which 105 duplicates were removed.

    “Database searches yielded 275 citations, of which 105 duplicates were removed.”
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    Qualitative findings showed that many participants believed WFH improved their productivity and mental health.

    “and improved their productivity and mental health [45].”
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    • cites [45] Hedley, 2021, The association between COVID-19, personal wellbeing, depression, and suicide risk factors in Australian autistic adults, Autism Res source

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    Findingcitation

    One study found that neurodivergent participants still physically reporting to work showed no change in emotional distress whereas those WFH showed a marginally significant increase in distress.

    “finding that neurodivergent participants still physically reporting to work showed no change in emotional distress whereas those WFH showed a marginally significant increase in distress.”
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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    Some participants described the lack of transition between work and home, making it difficult to unwind, describing how bringing work into a place that should be calm and secure could be emotionally harmful.

    “Some participants described the lack of transition between work and home, making it difficult to unwind, describing how bringing work into a place that should be calm and secure could be emotionally harmful [42].”
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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    Qualitative studies were generally higher in quality, although they tended to lose points for not adequately considering the relationship between researcher and participants.

    “qualitative studies were generally higher in quality, although they tended to lose points for not adequately considering the relationship between researcher and participants.”
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    Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of four main themes.

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    This meant they could choose to work during the hours they were most effective, taking breaks when needed, allowing them to feel they had greater autonomy.

    “This meant they could choose to work during the hours they were most effective [57,59], taking breaks when needed [39,50], allowing them to feel they had greater autonomy [42,60].”
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    • cites [57] Tomczak, 2022, Remote work support needs of employees with autism spectrum disorder in Poland: perspectives of individuals with autism and their coworkers, Int J Environ Res Public Health source

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    • cites [59] Vatalidis, How to support neurodivergence in the workplace with remote and async work

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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    • cites [50] Oomen, 2021, The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries, Mol Autism source

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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

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    Some participants expended considerable effort configuring home workspaces appropriately, and noise and interruptions from cohabiting family members or roommates could cause sensory overwhelm.

    “However, some participants expended considerable effort configuring home workspaces appropriately, and noise and interruptions from cohabiting family members or roommates could cause sensory overwhelm [39].”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    By contrast, at home participants could create comfortable, quiet, less overwhelming environments suited to their needs with autonomy over temperature, lighting and noise.

    “By contrast, at home participants could create comfortable, quiet, less overwhelming environments suited to their needs [39,47,54,55,57-59,61] with autonomy over temperature, lighting and noise [39,42,52,55,57].”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    • cites [47] Maljaars, 2023, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life: diverse experiences for autistic adults, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    • cites [54] Stewart, 2023, A qualitative study of autistic adults’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, Autism Adulthood source

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    • cites [55] Szulc, 2023, Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: lessons for HR

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    • cites [59] Vatalidis, How to support neurodivergence in the workplace with remote and async work

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    • cites [61] Worsley, 2020

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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    • cites [52] Petty, 2023, Workplace adjustments for autistic employees: what is ‘reasonable?’, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    Not commuting allowed more time for learning new technological skills.

    “and learning new technological skills [60].”
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    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

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    Not commuting saved time and energy.

    “saved time and energy [39,57]”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    Some reported a loss of motivation for self-care and exercise routines, which was believed to contribute to stress and exhaustion.

    “Some reported a loss of motivation for self-care and exercise routines, which was believed to contribute to stress and exhaustion [39].”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    This reduced sensory overload, helping employees focus; preventing them from feeling drained; increasing their tolerance of others; improving perceived mental health and reducing meltdowns.

    “This reduced sensory overload [38,55,57,58], helping employees focus [52]; preventing them from feeling drained [39]; increasing their tolerance of others [54]; improving perceived mental health [54] and reducing meltdowns [38].”
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    • cites [38] Bundy, 2022, The impact of early stages of COVID-19 on the mental health of autistic adults in the United Kingdom: a longitudinal mixed-methods study, Autism source

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    • cites [55] Szulc, 2023, Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: lessons for HR

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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    For some, the lack of structure negatively impacted waking and sleeping hours while for others it left time for self-deprecating thoughts and anxiety.

    “For some, the lack of structure negatively impacted waking and sleeping hours [58] while for others it left time for self-deprecating thoughts and anxiety [42].”
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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    Not commuting allowed more time for sleep.

    “allowed more time for sleep [42]”
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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    This was generally seen as a benefit of WFH and an improvement from the sensory overload often experienced in the workplace.

    “This was generally seen as a benefit of WFH and an improvement from the sensory overload often experienced in the workplace.”
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    The exercise and alone time of commutes sometimes benefited mental health as well as acted as a boundary marker between work and home, helping to transition from one to the other.

    “The exercise and alone time of commutes sometimes benefited mental health as well as acted as a boundary marker between work and home, helping to transition from one to the other [44].”
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    • cites [44] Hannam-Swain, 2021, Considering Covid-19: autoethnographic reflections on working practices in a time of crisis by two disabled UK academics, Soc Sci Humanit Open

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    Due to the absence of sensory triggers, spare time was not taken up with recovering from sensory overload and could instead be spent on other activities.

    “Due to the absence of sensory triggers, spare time was not taken up with recovering from sensory overload and could instead be spent on other activities [60].”
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    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

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    Homeworking was described as requiring good self-management skills and some described struggles becoming motivated and managing their time.

    “Homeworking was described as requiring good self-management skills [41] and some described struggles becoming motivated and managing their time [47].”
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    • cites [41] Fridell, 2022, Effects of the early phase of COVID-19 on the autistic community in Sweden: a qualitative multi-informant study linking to ICF, Int J Environ Res Public Health source

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    While many praised homeworking for its flexibility, others struggled with a lack of structure.

    “However, while many praised homeworking for its flexibility, others struggled with a lack of structure.”
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    When in the workplace (rather than at home) participants often struggled with distracting background noises, overly bright lights, odours and unwanted physical contact, all of which caused substantial sensory distress and could reduce focus, productivity and cause fatigue, particularly for those with ASD.

    “when in the workplace (rather than at home) participants often struggled with distracting background noises, overly bright lights, odours and unwanted physical contact, all of which caused substantial sensory distress [54,58,60] and could reduce focus, productivity [39] and cause fatigue [60], particularly for those with ASD.”
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    • cites [54] Stewart, 2023, A qualitative study of autistic adults’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, Autism Adulthood source

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    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    Not commuting increased focus and productivity.

    “increased focus and productivity [39,41]”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    Some felt that no longer having to get up early to commute to work had negatively affected their sleep cycle.

    “or felt that no longer having to get up early to commute to work had negatively affected their sleep cycle [54].”
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    Ten studies discussed the fact that WFH removed the need for commuting, which was generally, but not always, seen as positive.

    “Ten studies discussed the fact that WFH removed the need for commuting (Sub-theme: 'Lack of commuting'), which was generally, but not always, seen as positive.”
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    Some participants described difficulties configuring accessible workspaces: this was difficult for those living in resource-constrained spaces and others struggled with getting family members/housemates to acknowledge the use of the home as an office.

    “Some participants described difficulties configuring accessible workspaces (Sub-theme: 'Challenges of turning the home into a workspace'): this was difficult for those living in resourceconstrained spaces [39] and others struggled with getting family members/housemates to acknowledge the use of the home as an office [48].”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    • cites [48] McNaughton, 2014, ‘Home is at work and work is at home’: telework and individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication, Work source

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    Not commuting positively affected mental well-being.

    “positively affected mental well-being [39]”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    Online meetings were often more frequent and longer than in-person meetings, leading to 'Zoom fatigue', struggles prioritizing tasks and working after-hours, which could negatively affect mental health.

    “Online meetings were often more frequent and longer than in-person meetings [39,60] leading to 'Zoom fatigue' [49], struggles prioritizing tasks and working after-hours, which could negatively affect mental health [39].”
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    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

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    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

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    • cites [49] O2, 2021

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    One study found that homeworking was associated with increased distress and reduced satisfaction, but this was based on 23 employees in Israel and it is unclear whether the results are generalizable because of the relatively small, limited sample.

    “One study found that homeworking was associated with increased distress and reduced satisfaction, but this was based on 23 employees in Israel and it is unclear whether the results are generalizable because of the relatively small, limited sample [42].”
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    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

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    The sudden loss of everyday routines could be overwhelming and distressing.

    “The sudden loss of everyday routines could be overwhelming and distressing”
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  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Reliance on non-verbal cues could be difficult and distracting on video calls, which failed to adequately capture facial expressions and body language making it difficult to gauge the reactions of others.

    “Reliance on non-verbal cues could be difficult and distracting on video calls, which failed to adequately capture facial expressions and body language making it difficult to gauge the reactions of others [37,39,60].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [37] Alharbi, Accessibility barriers, conflicts, and repairs: understanding the experience of professionals with disabilities in hybrid meetings source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Some described difficulties concentrating in online meetings, often due to background noises.

    “Some described difficulties concentrating in online meetings [47,49], often due to background noises [37,55].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [47] Maljaars, 2023, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life: diverse experiences for autistic adults, J Autism Dev Disord source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [49] O2, 2021

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [37] Alharbi, Accessibility barriers, conflicts, and repairs: understanding the experience of professionals with disabilities in hybrid meetings source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [55] Szulc, 2023, Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: lessons for HR

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Some participants described the benefits of video meetings, suggesting they were more efficient and less complicated than in-person meetings as less time was spent on social niceties.

    “Some participants described the benefits of video meetings (sub-theme: 'Increased use of video calls'), suggesting they were more efficient and less complicated than in-person meetings as less time was spent on social niceties [47,60].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [47] Maljaars, 2023, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life: diverse experiences for autistic adults, J Autism Dev Disord source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    This was also the only study to compare outcomes for neuro-divergent and neuro-typical workers: however, neurodivergence was not clinically diagnosed and was instead based on scores on an ADHD measure, which is not necessarily an accurate reflection of whether individuals meet the criteria for diagnosis.

    “This was also the only study to compare outcomes for neuro-divergent and neuro-typical workers: however, neurodivergence was not clinically diagnosed and was instead based on scores on an ADHD measure, which is not necessarily an accurate reflection of whether individuals meet the criteria for diagnosis [62].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [62] Marshall, 2021, Diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young adults: a qualitative review of the utility of assessment measures and recommendations for improving the diagnostic process, Clin Neuropsychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Some were concerned they might have forgotten how to mask behaviours when they returned to the workplace.

    “however, some were concerned they might have forgotten how to mask behaviours when they returned to the workplace”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The increase in notifications from various applications due to the entire workforce homeworking could make it difficult to prioritize important messages.

    “The increase in notifications from various applications due to the entire workforce homeworking could make it difficult to prioritize important messages [39].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    For some, this was preferable to speaking in person because it did not require immediate response and was thus empowering and improved communication.

    “For some, this was preferable to speaking in person because it did not require immediate response [44,57] and was thus empowering [59] and improved communication [48].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [44] Hannam-Swain, 2021, Considering Covid-19: autoethnographic reflections on working practices in a time of crisis by two disabled UK academics, Soc Sci Humanit Open

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [57] Tomczak, 2022, Remote work support needs of employees with autism spectrum disorder in Poland: perspectives of individuals with autism and their coworkers, Int J Environ Res Public Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [59] Vatalidis, How to support neurodivergence in the workplace with remote and async work

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [48] McNaughton, 2014, ‘Home is at work and work is at home’: telework and individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication, Work source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Online meetings were perceived by some as less anxiety-inducing than in-person meetings and beneficial from a sensory perspective.

    “Online meetings were perceived by some as less anxiety-inducing than in-person meetings [54] and beneficial from a sensory perspective [57,60].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [54] Stewart, 2023, A qualitative study of autistic adults’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, Autism Adulthood source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [57] Tomczak, 2022, Remote work support needs of employees with autism spectrum disorder in Poland: perspectives of individuals with autism and their coworkers, Int J Environ Res Public Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Another study found that hybrid workers with ADHD experienced significantly less distress than those who worked fully on-site, but this study focussed only on undiagnosed workers in Japan.

    “Another found that hybrid workers with ADHD experienced significantly less distress than those who worked fully on-site [46], but this study focussed only on undiagnosed workers in Japan.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [46] Ishimoto, 2023, Benefits of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic for undiagnosed workers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Scattering remote meetings throughout the day resulted in short gaps between meetings where it was difficult to get into the headspace for focussed work because the cognitive switch to different tasks required more time than it perhaps would for neuro-typical colleagues, leading to fatigue.

    “Scattering remote meetings throughout the day resulted in short gaps between meetings where it was difficult to get into the headspace for focussed work because the cognitive switch to different tasks required more time than it perhaps would for neuro-typical colleagues, leading to fatigue [39].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Some participants with ASD preferred in-person communication because of the availability of visual cues to ensure they responded appropriately; opportunities to ask questions instantly and directly, making it easier to receive immediate feedback and ability to demonstrate to colleagues that they were being productive.

    “Some participants with ASD preferred in-person communication because of the availability of visual cues to ensure they responded appropriately [60]; opportunities to ask questions instantly and directly, making it easier to receive immediate feedback [42] and ability to demonstrate to colleagues that they were being productive [47].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [47] Maljaars, 2023, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life: diverse experiences for autistic adults, J Autism Dev Disord source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Some missed contact with colleagues, while others found it stressful and worked more efficiently without it.

    “Some missed contact with colleagues, while others found it stressful and worked more efficiently without it”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    WFH provided mixed blessings on masking: many participants felt free at home to engage in 'stimming' without worrying about impression management, while others reported concerns about the return to on-site work overwhelming them due to forgetting how to mask behaviours.

    “WFH provided mixed blessings on this front: many participants felt free at home to engage in 'stimming' (self-stimulation, e.g.repetitive physical movements) without worrying about impression management, while others reported concerns about the return to on-site work overwhelming them due to forgetting how to mask behaviours.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Inboxes could be overwhelmed due to policies and guidance on WFH and increased work-related communications, leaving participants working long hours to maintain productivity.

    “Inboxes could be overwhelmed due to policies and guidance on WFH and increased work-related communications, leaving participants working long hours to maintain productivity [42,44].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [42] Goldfarb, 2022, Implications of employment changes caused by COVID-19 on mental health and work-related psychological need satisfaction of autistic employees: a mixed-methods longitudinal study, J Autism Dev Disord source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [44] Hannam-Swain, 2021, Considering Covid-19: autoethnographic reflections on working practices in a time of crisis by two disabled UK academics, Soc Sci Humanit Open

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Most participants had experienced an abrupt shift to homeworking which was perceived to cause anxiety.

    “As nearly all included studies took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, most participants had experienced an abrupt shift to homeworking which was perceived to cause anxiety [41,44,60].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [41] Fridell, 2022, Effects of the early phase of COVID-19 on the autistic community in Sweden: a qualitative multi-informant study linking to ICF, Int J Environ Res Public Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [44] Hannam-Swain, 2021, Considering Covid-19: autoethnographic reflections on working practices in a time of crisis by two disabled UK academics, Soc Sci Humanit Open

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Participants who used dictation features, screen readers or text read-aloud features struggled to manage multiple streams of information, and needing to attend simultaneously to information on chat windows and presentations could be stressful.

    “Participants who used dictation features, screen readers or text read-aloud features struggled to manage multiple streams of information [39]; needing to attend simultaneously to information on chat windows and presentations could be stressful [56].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [56] Tang, 2021, Understanding the telework experience of people with disabilities, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Most studies we found were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when homeworking was not voluntary and participants would have been in a period of adaptation and under additional stress.

    “Most studies we found were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when homeworking was not voluntary and participants would have been in a period of adaptation and under additional stress.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Participants with various neuro-diverse conditions opted to switch videos off, so they did not need to suppress tics or behaviours.

    “Participants with various neuro-diverse conditions opted to switch videos off, so they did not need to suppress tics or behaviours [55,56].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [55] Szulc, 2023, Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: lessons for HR

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [56] Tang, 2021, Understanding the telework experience of people with disabilities, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most studies focussed on employees with ASD or ADHD, so little can be established as to the experiences and needs of those with less common neuro-divergent conditions.

    “Most studies focussed on employees with ASD or ADHD, so little can be established as to the experiences and needs of those with less common neuro-divergent conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Some participants with ASD found eye contact to be stressful and more intense in video calls than in person.

    “Some participants with ASD found eye contact to be stressful and more intense in video calls than in person [44,60].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [44] Hannam-Swain, 2021, Considering Covid-19: autoethnographic reflections on working practices in a time of crisis by two disabled UK academics, Soc Sci Humanit Open

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Lack of commuting was perceived as a benefit for some but a challenge for others who liked the routine and exercise; previous reviews on WFH in the general population have only noted the benefits of not commuting.

    “Lack of commuting was perceived as a benefit for some but a challenge for others who liked the routine and exercise; previous reviews on WFH in the general population have only noted the benefits of not commuting [12,20].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [12] Hall, 2024, Experiences of working from home: umbrella review, J Occup Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [20] Hall, 2023, The relationship between homeworking during COVID-19 and both, mental health, and productivity: a systematic review, BMC Psychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Some participants appreciated that WFH allowed them more flexibility, while others struggled with a lack of structure.

    “Some participants appreciated that WFH allowed them more flexibility, while others struggled with a lack of structure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Employees had to establish new routines, which could be difficult, worsen stress and increase workload.

    “Employees then had to establish new routines, which could be difficult [38,55,60], worsen stress [53] and increase workload [39].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [38] Bundy, 2022, The impact of early stages of COVID-19 on the mental health of autistic adults in the United Kingdom: a longitudinal mixed-methods study, Autism source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [55] Szulc, 2023, Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: lessons for HR

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] Wood, 2022, Learning from autistic teachers: lessons about change in an era of COVID-19, Educ Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [53] Realpe, 2023, Lockdown experiences and views on future research participation of autistic adults in the UK during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Autism Adulthood source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The sudden disintegration of everyday routine was particularly difficult for those who disliked change and led to feeling overwhelmed.

    “The sudden disintegration of everyday routine was particularly difficult for those who disliked change and led to feeling overwhelmed [44].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [44] Hannam-Swain, 2021, Considering Covid-19: autoethnographic reflections on working practices in a time of crisis by two disabled UK academics, Soc Sci Humanit Open

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Both positive and negative effects of WFH were noted, echoing research on COVID-19 experiences generally for neuro-divergent populations.

    “We noted both positive and negative effects of WFH: this echoes research on COVID-19 experiences generally for neuro-divergent populations [21].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] Scheeren, 2023, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic adults: a scoping review, Curr Dev Disord Rep source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Many described how seeing others' videos could be distracting, but others reported struggling if colleagues did not switch videos on, as they needed visual cues to ensure they communicated appropriately.

    “Many described how seeing others' videos could be distracting [39] but others reported struggling if colleagues did not switch videos on, as they needed visual cues to ensure they communicated appropriately [39,55].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [55] Szulc, 2023, Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: lessons for HR

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mixed feelings about the increased use of technology saw participants highlight greater efficiency and reduced stress, alongside struggles with processing information, focus and turn-taking during virtual meetings.

    “Similarly, mixed feelings about the increased use of technology saw participants highlight greater efficiency and reduced stress, alongside struggles with processing information, focus and turn-taking during virtual meetings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most included studies were based on small, unrepresentative samples and findings cannot necessarily be generalized to wider neuro-divergent populations; however, similar findings emerged from both small and large studies.

    “Most included studies were based on small, unrepresentative samples and findings cannot necessarily be generalized to wider neuro-divergent populations; however, we note that similar findings emerged from both small and large studies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    For many, homeworking beneficially limited sensory overload, but this depended on living arrangements.

    “For many, homeworking beneficially limited sensory overload, but this depended on living arrangements.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Reduced social contact benefited some, who felt more focussed and less anxious, but was a challenge for others who missed contact with colleagues and found it difficult to communicate remotely.

    “Reduced social contact benefited some, who felt more focussed and less anxious, but was a challenge for others who missed contact with colleagues and found it difficult to communicate remotely.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A wealth of research on WFH since the COVID-19 pandemic indicates WFH has the potential to improve well-being, job satisfaction and productivity for some, but can also introduce challenges such as difficulties maintaining work-life balance.

    “A wealth of research on WFH since the COVID-19 pandemic indicates WFH has the potential to improve well-being, job satisfaction and productivity for some, but can also introduce challenges such as difficulties maintaining work-life balance [12,20].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [12] Hall, 2024, Experiences of working from home: umbrella review, J Occup Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [20] Hall, 2023, The relationship between homeworking during COVID-19 and both, mental health, and productivity: a systematic review, BMC Psychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Two previous reviews explored the impact of COVID-19 and the associated change in working practices for neuro-divergent workers but found little relevant primary data.

    “Two previous reviews explored the impact of COVID-19 and the associated change in working practices for neuro-divergent workers [22,23] but found little relevant primary data.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [22] Mellifont, 2022, COVID-19 related factors affecting the experiences of neurodivergent persons in the workplace: a rapid review, Work source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [23] Szulc, 2022, AMO model for neuro-inclusive remote workplace, Pers Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Szulc reviewed academic literature but found only five studies; they developed recommendations including offering flexible hours of work and developing support groups to share strategies for WFH.

    “Szulc [23] reviewed academic literature but found only five studies; they developed recommendations including offering flexible hours of work and developing support groups to share strategies for WFH.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Szulc, 2022, AMO model for neuro-inclusive remote workplace, Pers Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    There was an agreement rate of 99% between the two authors; the single disagreement was easily solved after a short discussion.

    “There was an agreement rate of 99% between the two authors; the single disagreement was easily solved after a short discussion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While the overall impact of the pandemic on neuro-divergent populations has been reviewed, little research focuses specifically on working practices.

    “While the overall impact of the pandemic on neuro-divergent populations has been reviewed [21], little research focuses specifically on working practices.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] Scheeren, 2023, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic adults: a scoping review, Curr Dev Disord Rep source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Full texts of remaining citations were read by two authors.

    “Full texts of remaining citations were downloaded and read by two authors”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Titles and abstracts were screened by two authors.

    “titles and abstracts were screened by two authors”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    No protocol was prepared or registered for this systematic review.

    “No protocol was prepared/registered.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    All authors reviewed the themes to ensure they reflected the data corpus.

    “All authors reviewed the themes to ensure they reflected the data corpus.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisereasoning

    A better understanding of how to support neuro-divergent employees WFH is still needed.

    “A better understanding of how to support neuro-divergent employees WFH is still needed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    Quality was assessed using the AXIS tool or the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist depending on the study design.

    “Quality was assessed using the AXIS tool [26] or the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist [27] depending on the study design.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [26] Downes, 2016, Development of a critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies (AXIS), BMJ Open source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    There have been compelling arguments for why WFH might benefit neuro-divergent populations.

    “There have been compelling arguments for why WFH might benefit neuro-divergent populations [15]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Kalmanovich-Cohen, 2023, How can work from home support neurodiversity and inclusion, Ind Organ Psychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Choice and flexibility appear to be key.

    “Choice and flexibility appear to be key.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The most prominent finding was the importance of not assuming a one-size-fits-all approach to support neuro-divergent employees who homework, illustrated by the mixed and often contradictory findings within nearly every theme.

    “The most prominent finding was the importance of not assuming a one-size-fits-all approach to support neuro-divergent employees who homework, illustrated by the mixed and often contradictory findings within nearly every theme.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Work relationships established before the transition to WFH may have been protective of employee well-being.

    “work relationships established before the transition to WFH may have been protective of employee well-being.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the nuances of WFH for neuro-divergent staff.

    “Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the nuances of WFH for neuro-divergent staff.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The shift to WFH during the pandemic was abrupt, which may have been particularly difficult for individuals with difficulties adapting to change (a common feature of neuro-diverse conditions).

    “Additionally, the shift to WFH during the pandemic was abrupt, which may have been particularly difficult for individuals with difficulties adapting to change (a common feature of neuro-diverse conditions).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Our recommendations are relevant to the entire workforce, not just neuro-divergent employees.

    “Second, our recommendations are relevant to the entire workforce-not just neuro-divergent employees.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    It is important not to minimize the difference in experiences between neuro-divergent and neuro-typical individuals: the experiences may be similar, but the impacts may not be and the energy and effort required are also likely to differ.

    “However, it is important not to minimize the difference in experiences between neuro-divergent and neuro-typical individuals [39]: the experiences may be similar, but the impacts may not be and the energy and effort required are also likely to differ [66].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [39] Das, 2021, Towards accessible remote work: understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals, Proc ACM Hum Comput Interact

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [66] Alexander, 2024, The dyslexic academic: uncovering the challenges faced as neurodiverse in academia and establishing a research agenda, Disabil Soc source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Neuro-divergent employees are already at greater risk of over-commitment and effort-reward imbalance, and general occupational demands have a greater impact on autistic employees' well-being than they do for neuro-typical employees.

    “Previous research suggests that neuro-divergent employees are already at greater risk of over-commitment and effort-reward imbalance [67] and research with autistic employees suggests that general occupational demands have a greater impact on their well-being than they do for neuro-typical employees [33].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [67] Burrone, 2023, Understanding socio-labor inclusion among young adults with autism spectrum and mental disorders: preliminary findings, Eur Psychiatry source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [33] Hayward, 2020, Sources and impact of occupational demands for autistic employees, Res Autism Spectr Disord source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Neuro-divergent people feel pressure to 'mask' neuro-divergent traits and behaviours in the workplace, which can be exhausting.

    “Previous research suggests neuro-divergent people feel pressure to 'mask' neuro-divergent traits and behaviours in the workplace, which can be exhausting [17].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] Miller, 2021, ‘Masking is life’: experiences of masking in autistic and nonautistic adults, Autism Adulthood source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Many neuro-divergent employees may not have a diagnosis due to unequal access to medical diagnoses and long waiting lists for assessment.

    “Many neuro-divergent employees may not have a diagnosis due to unequal access to medical diagnoses [15] and long waiting lists for assessment [69].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] Kalmanovich-Cohen, 2023, How can work from home support neurodiversity and inclusion, Ind Organ Psychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [69] ADHD UK, 2023

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Challenges may be magnified for neuro-divergent employees, and difficulties with WFH may be more likely to have a compounding effect.

    “Challenges may be magnified for neuro-divergent employees, and difficulties with WFH may be more likely to have a compounding effect.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The pandemic and lockdowns negatively affected the mental health of neuro-divergent people, who often experienced greater psychological burden than neuro-typical individuals due to the loss of routines.

    “Research suggests the pandemic and lockdowns negatively affected the mental health of neuro-divergent people [21], who often experienced greater psychological burden than neuro-typical individuals due to the loss of routines [50]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [21] Scheeren, 2023, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic adults: a scoping review, Curr Dev Disord Rep source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [50] Oomen, 2021, The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries, Mol Autism source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    We did not carry out a systematic quality appraisal of the included studies.

    “Additionally, we did not carry out a systematic quality appraisal of the included studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Similar challenges relating to online communication have been noted in the literature on neuro-divergent students' experiences of homeschooling.

    “Similar challenges relating to online communication have been noted in the literature on neuro-divergent students' experiences of homeschooling [63].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [63] Le Cunff, 2022, Supporting neurodiversity in online education: a systematic review

      Not checked in the free run.

94 of 94

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Six studies claimed, but seven cited for flexibility

    Minor

    The sentence says six studies reported benefits of increased flexibility, but the supporting discussion cites seven distinct studies: [61], [57], [59], [39], [50], [42] and [60].

  • Quality appraisal is both reported and denied

    Minor

    The Methods say studies were assessed with specified quality tools, and the Results report quality ratings for the included studies. The Discussion then says no systematic quality appraisal was carried out.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Le Cunff, 2022, Supporting neurodiversity in online education: a systematic review, 213

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Brooks, S. K., Hall, C. E., Rogers, M. B., & Greenberg, N.
Affiliations
  • King's College London (GB)
  • UK Health Security Agency (GB)
Corresponding author
Brooks, S K
Venue
Occupational Medicine
Published
2024-10-19
ISSN
  • 0962-7480 (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-8405
OpenAlex
W4403565612
Cited by
9
References
56
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 2
FWCI
0.94
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Occupational Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Portal (King's College London) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • UK Health Security Agency
  • King’s College London
  • University of East Anglia (NIHR200890)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Work-Family Balance Challenges
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Education and Employment
Keywords
home office, working from home, neurodiversity, employee well-being, psychological well-being, commuting reduction, work flexibility, workplace inclusion, employer support, COVID-19 pandemic

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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