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Cited by 42Disability Education and EmploymentAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchWork-Family Balance Challenges

Remote work support needs of employees with autism spectrum disorder in Poland: perspectives of individuals with autism and their coworkers

Open access
Tomczak, Michał T., Mpofu, Elias, Hutson, Nathan·2022·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
DOI 10.3390/ijerph191710982PMC PMC9518488
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Abstract

Background and Aims: With remote work becoming more common across industries, employees with autism may experience different work support needs from neurotypical peers. However, the specific remote work needs of this group of employees are underexplored in the literature. We aim to propose ways to assess workplace digital adaptation needs for individuals with autism and a framework for communicating these needs to employers. Methods: This qualitative study included interviews with 13 Polish business professionals, including coworkers and/or supervisors of employees with autism (n = 9) and female employees with autism (n = 4), about their remote work support needs. Participants responded to semi-structured interview questions identifying advantages and risk factors associated with remote work for this specific group of employees. Results: Participants reported advantages of remote work, such as limiting sensory overload and intensive interpersonal contacts, indirect interpersonal communications, flexible work hours, and eliminating the need to travel to work. Participants also reported challenges of remote work, such as reducing wanted or helpful social contacts, engaging in direct electronic communications, limiting opportunities to learn from other employees, and managing work–life balance. Conclusion: These findings suggest a need for an autism-inclusive digitalized remote work design customized to the unique needs of employees on the autism spectrum. Business managers would be key partners in the design of autism-inclusive digitalized remote work systems. Additional research is needed with larger and more diverse samples of employees with autism.

Verified 2026-10-07 · 1 reference not checked yet

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This qualitative study interviewed 13 Polish business professionals, including 4 female employees with autism and 9 coworkers/supervisors, about remote work support needs for employees with autism. It identifies remote work advantages such as reduced sensory overload and fewer intensive interpersonal contacts, alongside challenges including reduced helpful social contact, direct electronic communication, limited learning from coworkers, and work–life balance difficulties.

Key findings

  • All participants reported that remote work helps employees with autism limit sensory overload, and 10 participants, including all 4 interviewees with autism, reported that it limits intensive interpersonal contacts.
  • Eight respondents, including all 4 interviewees with autism, saw a need for social contact support to prevent unwanted social isolation; 7 business professionals viewed direct electronic communication as a challenge.
  • Three participants said remote work limits opportunities to learn from other employees, especially during onboarding and job retention, while 1 participant raised work–life balance concerns.
  • Suggested improvements included hybrid work arrangements (6 participants), clear communication tools such as chatbots and meeting minutes, technology-based contact with managers/team members (2 business professionals), and manager/job-coach support for task prioritization and work–leisure boundaries.

Methods

  • Qualitative study with a purposive, snowballed sample of 13 participants: 9 coworkers/supervisors of employees with autism and 4 employees with autism, all in Poland.
  • Semi-structured interviews conducted remotely via MS Teams in late 2021 and early 2022; interviews lasted 18 min on average, with average transcript length of 3 pages per interview.
  • Transcripts were analyzed using template analysis, with cross-checking by co-authors and consultation with employment support specialists at UNT’s ENGAGE Center and UNT WISE.

Limitations

  • Stated: small sample from only one country; among participants with autism, diagnoses were only in women completing interviews; respondents with autism were fully verbal, high-functioning self-advocates, so findings may differ for employees with less verbal ability; the study may have missed undiagnosed people with autism.
  • Evident from the text: the sample is heavily weighted toward coworkers/supervisors (n = 9) relative to employees with autism (n = 4), and the average interview length was short (18 min), which limits the depth and transferability of the findings.

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

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/ijerph191710982

Cites

37 of 38 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 59 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Working remotely supports the limitation of intense and uncomfortable interpersonal contact, mainly within large groups, which can be perceived as highly burdensome and stress-inducing to people with autism.

    “working remotely supports the limitation of intense and uncomfortable interpersonal contact, mainly within large groups, which can also be perceived as highly burdensome and stress-inducing to people with autism. This was indicated by ten research participants, including all four interviewees on the autism spectrum.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Eight respondents, including all four interviewees with autism, perceived a need for social contact support to prevent unwanted social isolation.

    “Eight respondents, including all four interviewees with autism, perceived a need for social contact support to prevent unwanted social isolation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Avoiding physical travel is a large benefit of remote work for people on the autism spectrum.

    “According to the statements of two interviewees (both with autism), avoiding physical travel is another large benefit for those on the spectrum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    All research participants stated that employees with autism perceive a remote work advantage associated with overcoming limitations related to sensory sensitivity (auditory, sound, olfactory, or visual), which is usually not possible in a stationary office environment.

    “All of the research participants stated that employees with autism perceive a remote work advantage associated with overcoming the limitations related to sensory sensitivity (auditory, sound, olfactory, or visual), which is usually not possible in a stationary office environment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Three research participants shared the opinion that remote work can lead to challenges in conducting effective training, acquiring knowledge, and learning, mainly in the onboarding phase but also as part of job retention.

    “During the interviews, three research participants shared the opinion that remote work can also lead to challenges in conducting effective training, acquiring knowledge, and learning [17], mainly in the onboarding phase but also as part of the job retention stage.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] 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.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 48
  • May combine two claims. 28
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

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

    Findingown data

    There are business organizational advantages in implementing greater flexibility in work scheduling for people with autism, including flexible working hours and a task-based approach instead of hourly measurements of working time and productivity.

    “As indicated by another two respondents, there are business organizational advantages in implementing greater flexibility in work scheduling for people with autism, including flexible working hours and the use of a task-based approach instead of hourly measurements of working time and productivity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Findingcitation

    Remote working favors using impersonal and electronically mediated communication (e-mails, chats, instant messaging, chatbots, etc.), which could significantly improve communication for people for whom face-to-face contact is a considerable challenge.

    “Two of the research participants also mentioned that remote working favors using impersonal and electronically mediated communication (in the form of e-mails, chats, instant messaging, chatbots, etc.), which could also significantly improve communication for people for whom face-to-to-face contact is a considerable challenge [29,30].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Findingown data

    One interviewee with autism found having more time to ask questions and setting minutes after meetings helpful.

    “As one of the interviewees emphasized: “Having more time to ask questions and setting minutes after meetings is really helpful.”(R2)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Findingown data

    One employee with autism would appreciate regular, constructive, and honest feedback to avoid misunderstandings.

    “Finally, one employee with autism noted that she would appreciate regular, constructive, and honest feedback to avoid misunderstandings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The research results provide evidence on the preferences and priorities of people with autism, each of whom is unique in their sensitivity to sensory overload, and for whom indirect electronic communications can be highly beneficial, allowing the limitation of intensive interpersonal contacts.

    “Our research results provide evidence on the preferences and priorities of people with autism, each of whom is unique in their sensitivity to sensory overload, and for whom indirect electronic communications can be highly beneficial, allowing the limitation of intensive interpersonal contacts.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Findingown data

    Two business professionals considered technology-based flexible forms of contact with the manager and team members to be important.

    “Two business professionals considered technology-based flexible forms of contact with the manager and team members to be important.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Findingown data

    For two employees with autism, hybrid solutions that would work best included tools for efficient and clear communication.

    “For two employees with autism, hybrid solutions that would work best are those that included tools for efficient and clear communication: “e.g., the benefits of chatbots are that they are based on rules, precise, and encourage messages without accents and ambiguities, which are difficult to comprehend for employees with ASD.”(R7)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Findingown data

    One respondent suggested an application to support task prioritization, order of tasks monitoring and execution to overcome limited contact with the supervisor.

    “One of the respondents stated: “To overcome the limited contact with the supervisor, the application could be a good idea for the team. Its task would be to support in setting priorities, order of tasks monitoring and their execution. It would be a great help.”(R3)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    The under-reporting of autism is likely similar in other former Eastern Block states.

    “The under-reporting is likely similar in other former Eastern Block states [19].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] Simashkova, 2019, Total screening of the risk of developing mental illness of young children in primary health care in Russia (data 2017), Eur. Psychiatry

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Autism is under-reported in the Polish setting at 3.4 cases per 10,000 individuals, vastly lower than 200 cases per 10,000 in equivalent surveys in the United States.

    “Autism is under-reported in the Polish setting at 3.4 cases per 10,000 individuals. This estimate is vastly lower compared to 200 cases per 10,000 individuals in equivalent surveys in the United States [18].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Kostyra, 2015, Autism in Poland in comparison to other countries, Pol. Ann. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The legacy of underdiagnosis continues to result in a lower awareness of the autistic condition in general society, which will inhibit effective interventions, especially when these interventions are the responsibility of business professionals who have no formal training and little understanding of the condition.

    “However, the legacy of underdiagnosis continues to result in a lower awareness of the autistic condition in general society, which will inhibit effective interventions, especially when these interventions are the responsibility not of medical professionals but of business professionals who have no formal training and little understanding of the condition.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The findings may provide evidence for autism-inclusive remote work arrangements that would also enhance business organization productivity.

    “The findings may provide evidence for autism-inclusive remote work arrangements that would also enhance business organization productivity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    A supervisor may need training on providing feedback in a constructive way to employees with autism without causing unwanted anxiety.

    “a supervisor may need training on providing feedback in a constructive way to employees with autism without causing unwanted anxiety [29].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [29] Miles, B. Personal communication—interview with the authors.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Eliminating the necessity of daily travel between home and the workplace translates into saving time and money and reduces the impact of sensory stimuli.

    “eliminating the necessity of daily travel between home and the workplace translates into saving time and money and additionally reduces the impact of sensory stimuli [17].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] 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.

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

    Premisecitation

    These atypical social and communication differences may complicate interactions with neurotypical peers, risking employment participation vulnerabilities in this population, which has an unemployment rate four times higher than that of the general population.

    “These atypical social and communication differences may complicate their interactions with neurotypical peers [9,10,11], risking employment participation vulnerabilities in this population, which has an unemployment rate four times higher than that of the general population [12].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [9] Lydon, 2016, A systematic review of physiological reactivity to stimuli in autism, Dev. Neurorehabilit. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] Tomczak, M.T., Wójcikowski, M., Listewnik, P., Pankiewicz, B., Majchrowicz, D., and Jędrzejewska-Szczerska, M. (2018). Support for employees with ASD in the workplace using a Bluetooth skin resistance sensor–a preliminary study. Sensors, 18. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Tomczak, 2020, Stress Monitoring System for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, IEEE Access source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Ohl, 2017, Predictors of employment status among adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Work source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Orientation into a new job function is always challenging, but without in-person feedback in the early stages of employment, incorrect work habits can become ingrained.

    “Orientation into a new job function is always challenging, but without in-person feedback in the early stages of employment, incorrect work habits can become ingrained.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While an individual on the autism spectrum may prefer a remote setting with less strict deadlines, over time this could impede work progress and the ability to meet deadlines.

    “while the individual on the autism spectrum may prefer a remote setting with less strict deadlines, over time, this could impede work progress and the ability to meet deadlines.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Adults with autism are much less likely to hold a valid driver's license than the general population and are thus overly reliant on public transport.

    “generally, adults with autism are much less likely to hold a valid driver’s license than the general population and are thus overly reliant on public transport [32].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Huang, 2012, Factors Associated with Driving in Teens With Autism Spectrum Disorders, J. Dev. Behav. Pediatrics source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Remote work environments are generally associated with less work absenteeism and a consequent increase in labor productivity.

    “Remote work environments vary greatly across industries but are generally associated with the following work outcome goals: (1) less work absenteeism and a consequent increase in labor productivity [20]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Klipfel, M. (2021). How The New Normal of Remote Work Evens The Playing Field For Workers With Disabilities. Forbes, Available online: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2021/12/28/how-the-new-normal-of-remote-work-evens-the-playing-field-for-workers-with-disabilities/?sh=51c2e1612a36.

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    Limiting social contact may result in fewer opportunities to offer developmental challenges related to crossing the comfort zone that may be uncomfortable in the short term but result in long-term skill acquisition.

    “limiting social contact may result in fewer opportunities to offer developmental challenges related to crossing the comfort zone that may be uncomfortable in the short term but result in long-term skill acquisition.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    This is a problem in general with remote workers, but individuals with autism may need more frequent guidance and may take longer to acclimate to work culture.

    “This is a problem in general with remote workers, but individuals with autism may need more frequent guidance and may take longer to acclimate to work culture [33].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33] Szulc, 2021, AMO perspectives on the well-being of neurodivergent human capital, Empl. Relat. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    People with Autism Spectrum Disorder present with a wide range of difficulties in interpersonal communication, social reciprocity, and sensory sensitivity.

    “People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present with a wide range of difficulties in interpersonal communication, social reciprocity, and sensory sensitivity [8].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [8] American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association Publishing. [5th ed.]. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Electronic messages tend to "get to the point" with fewer potentially distracting phrases, and can include real-time feedback on responses drafted by the individual with autism.

    “Not only do electronic messages tend to “get to the point” with fewer potentially distracting phrases, but they can also include real-time feedback on the responses drafted by the individual with autism [31].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] Winans, 2021, Grammarly’s Tone Detector: Helping Students Write Pragmatically Appropriate Texts, RELC J. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lack of informal social interactions may lead to the breakdown of learned social competencies, which may eventually inhibit individuals with autism's ability to progress in their chosen profession and their overall social functioning beyond the office setting.

    “On the other hand, the lack of informal social interactions may lead to the breakdown of learned social competencies, which may eventually inhibit these individuals’ ability to progress in their chosen profession and their overall social functioning beyond the office setting.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Interpretationown data

    These findings suggest a need for an autism-inclusive digitalized remote work design customized to the unique needs of employees on the autism spectrum.

    “These findings suggest a need for an autism-inclusive digitalized remote work design customized to the unique needs of employees on the autism spectrum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Remote work environments are generally associated with lowering the "tyranny of distance" and allowing employers to draw on labor from those who live in rural areas or "exurbs".

    “(2) lowering the “tyranny of distance” and allowing employers to draw on labor from those who live in rural areas or “exurbs” [21]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] Winck, B. (2021). Forget the Suburbs, the ‘Exurbs’ Are the Place To Be. Bus. Insider, Available online: https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-suburbs-to-exurbs-pandemic-relocation-where-to-move-2021-7.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationown data

    The evidence illustrates a new-normal future of remote working in which the use of applications will be embedded in most work routines across the neurodiversity spectrum.

    “This evidence illustrates the new-normal future of remote working, in which the use of applications will be embedded in most work routines across the neurodiversity spectrum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    An employee who used to log off by the end of the workday but is now staying logged in until late at night can be seen as a warning sign of a breakdown in executive function.

    “For example, an employee who used to log off of their station by the end of the workday but is now staying logged in until late at night can be seen as a warning sign of a breakdown in executive function.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    For employees with autism in Poland, the "new normal" of remote work may run the risk of leaving them behind in the absence of evidence on perceived advantages and challenges associated with remote work.

    “For employees with autism in Poland, the “new normal” of remote work may run the risk of leaving them behind in the absence of evidence on perceived advantages and challenges associated with remote work.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Remote working was preferred by others among the neurodivergent population, including individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism.

    “Furthermore, remote working was preferred by others among the neurodivergent population, including individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism (see [15,16,17]).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [15] 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 [16] Szulc, J.M., McGregor, F.L., and Cakir, E. (Pers. Rev., 2021). Neurodiversity and remote work in times of crisis: Lessons for HR, Pers. Rev., ahead-of-print. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [17] 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.

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    The findings may be different for other employees with less verbal ability.

    “The findings may be different for other employees with less verbal ability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Social distancing in remote work settings may be beneficial to employees on the spectrum who seek less intensive interpersonal communication, but may also inadvertently limit opportunities to learn from other coworkers.

    “Similarly, while social distancing [37,38] in remote work settings may be beneficial to employees on the spectrum who seek less intensive interpersonal communication, they may also inadvertently limit opportunities to learn from other coworkers [17].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [37] Ebrahimi, 2021, Physical distancing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Factors associated with psychological symptoms and adherence to pandemic mitigation strategies, Clin. Psychol. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [38] Bartel, 2012, Knowing where you stand: Physical isolation, perceived respect, and organizational identification among virtual employees, Organ. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [17] 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.

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

    Study design and conductcitation

    The second- and third-listed authors were involved in cross-checking emerging themes, providing inter-coder reliability, and developing the final coding template.

    “The second- and third-listed authors were involved in cross-checking emerging themes [27], providing inter-coder reliability, and developing the final coding template [28].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [27] Joffe, 2020, Intercoder reliability in qualitative research: Debates and practical guidelines, Int. J. Qual. Methods

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [28] Saldaña, J. (2021). The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers, SAGE.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Attaining a good balance between feedback that is constructive without being excessively harsh is almost always more challenging in a virtual setting, where tacit body signals are missing.

    “As mentioned previously, attaining a good balance between feedback that is constructive without being excessively harsh will almost always be more challenging in a virtual setting, where tacit body signals are missing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    In some contexts, providing a mentor may be an effective strategy, particularly when direct monitoring by a supervisor is not possible.

    “In some contexts, providing a mentor may be an effective strategy, particularly when direct monitoring by a supervisor is not possible [44].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [44] Autism Hampshire (2022, August 10). Making Workplaces Autism Friendly. Available online: https://www.autismhampshire.org.uk/about-autism/making-workplaces-autism-friendly.

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Remote work environments are generally associated with improving employee perception of the company's concern with employee welfare.

    “(3) improving employee perception of the company’s concern with employee welfare [22].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] Golden, 2006, Telecommuting’s differential impact on work–family conflict: Is there no place like home?, J. Appl. Psychol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Interpretationown data

    Inclusive communication with employees across the neurodiversity spectrum may be enhanced with the use of tools that a job coach and employee would use in tandem to achieve work goals.

    “From this evidence, inclusive communication with employees across the neurodiversity spectrum may be enhanced with the use of tools that a job coach and employee would use in tandem to achieve work goals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Study design and conductown data

    The research team consulted with employment support specialists at the University of North Texas's ENGAGE Center for Neurodiversity and Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment Center (UNT WISE) to better interpret the themes and contextualize the evidence.

    “To better interpret the themes, the research team consulted with employment support specialists at the University of North Texas’s ENGAGE Center for Neurodiversity and Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment Center (UNT WISE), which aided in contextualizing the evidence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This research has significant potential in supporting people with autism in adjusting to the evolving post-pandemic work culture, which may be a net benefit for neurodivergent employees despite its challenges.

    “This research has significant potential in the area of supporting people with autism in adjusting to the evolving post-pandemic work culture that, despite its challenges, may be a net benefit for neurodivergent employees.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The respondents to this study diagnosed with autism were fully verbal, high-functioning self-advocates.

    “In addition, the respondents to this study diagnosed with autism were fully verbal, high-functioning self-advocates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    The advantages of remote working include work opportunities, flexible commuting, higher work flexibility, and work satisfaction.

    “The advantages of remote working include work opportunities, flexible commuting, higher work flexibility, and work satisfaction.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [34] Allen, 2015, How effective is telecommuting? Assessing the status of our scientific findings, Psychol. Sci. Public Interest source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [35] Bloom, 2015, Does working from home work? Evidence from a Chinese experiment, Q. J. Econ. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [36] Dockery, 2014, Is working from home good work or bad work? Evidence from Australian employees, Aust. J. Labour Econ.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    A related limitation is that the study reported on diagnosed and self-identified people with autism, and it may have missed others who are undiagnosed.

    “A related limitation is that the study reported on diagnosed and self-identified people with autism, and it may have missed others who are undiagnosed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The findings underscore that unique sociality needs with autism should be understood alongside strengths.

    “Our findings underscore the fact that unique sociality needs with autism should be understood alongside strengths.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    A significant percentage of employees with autism have challenges with executive functioning and/or a comorbid ADHD diagnosis.

    “As mentioned before, a significant percentage of employees with autism also have challenges with executive functioning and/or a comorbid ADHD diagnosis [30].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] Williams, J. Personal communication—interview with the authors.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The employee with autism may be less likely to seek out discretionary workplace social interactions.

    “In general, the employee with autism may be less likely to seek out discretionary workplace social interactions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Autism is a social and communication disorder, and people with autism have unique socialization needs to be accepted or appreciated as an autistic person.

    “While autism is a social and communication disorder [9,11,15], people with autism have unique socialization needs to be “accepted or appreciated as an autistic person, with autism positively recognized and accepted by others and the self as an integral part of that individual” [39] (p. 424).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [9] Lydon, 2016, A systematic review of physiological reactivity to stimuli in autism, Dev. Neurorehabilit. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Tomczak, 2020, Stress Monitoring System for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, IEEE Access source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] 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 [39] Cage, 2018, Experiences of autism acceptance and mental health in autistic adults, J. Autism Dev. Disord. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    Remote work supports for those with autism need to highlight that sociality with autism requires an awareness by business managers to customize work learning experiences to social accessibility of communication.

    “Remote work supports for those with autism need to highlight the fact that sociality with autism requires an awareness by business managers to customize work learning experiences to social accessibility of communication.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    If properly executed, supervision and assistance using computer software or mobile devices can benefit overall work efficiency, assuming supervisors are properly trained in the needs of employees on the autism spectrum with a shift to virtual employment.

    “If properly executed, this can be a benefit to overall work efficiency, assuming that supervisors are properly trained in the needs of employees on the autism spectrum with a shift to virtual employment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Supervisors are properly trained in the needs of employees on the autism spectrum with a shift to virtual employment.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    With proper accommodations, such as recognizing the needs of employees, providing hybrid work options, enabling the use of chats during online meetings, and supporting technology-based forms of contact, the new normal of remote work following the COVID crisis has the potential to become a net positive for the neurodiverse population in their quest for equitable treatment to neurotypical peers.

    “Nevertheless, with proper accommodations, such as recognizing the needs of employees, providing hybrid work options, enabling the use of chats during online meetings, and supporting technology-based forms of contact, the new normal of remote work following the COVID crisis has the potential to become a net positive for the neurodiverse population in their quest for equitable treatment to neurotyp”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although remote working may be advantageous to work scheduling autonomy, some people may experience difficulties structuring their work activities at home in a way that does not take up excessive time.

    “Although remote working may be advantageous to work scheduling autonomy, some people may experience difficulties structuring their work activities at home in a way that does not take up excessive time.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Interpretationown data

    People with autism have unique socialization needs that must be recognized and respected in work settings.

    “This speaks to the fact that people with autism have unique socialization needs that must be recognized and respected in work settings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Optimal work schedules will vary by individual, each with their own definition of optimal work-life balance.

    “For managers, this presents a challenge, as optimal work schedules will vary by individual—each of whom will have their own definition of the optimal work–life balance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    An additional advantage of the qualitative method for this study was the ability to establish trust with interviewees and to build relationships that engendered a deeper understanding of the research topic.

    “An additional advantage of the qualitative method for this study was the ability to establish trust with interviewees and to build relationships that engendered a deeper understanding of the research topic [23].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Bansal, 2012, Publishing in AMJ: What’s different about qualitative research?, Acad. Manag. J. 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

    Due to the small research sample from only one country and the fact that, among research participants with autism, diagnoses were only in women completing interviews, additional studies may be needed to check on the dependability of our observations.

    “First, due to the small research sample from only one country and the fact that, among research participants with autism, diagnoses were only in women completing interviews, additional studies may be needed to check on the dependability of our observations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Remote work cannot be seen as a panacea for neurotypical employees, and the same conclusion holds for their neurodiverse colleagues.

    “Remote work cannot be seen as a panacea for neurotypical employees. The same conclusion holds for their neurodiverse colleagues.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Given the diversity of presentation, semi-structured interviews proved to be a productive tool for elucidating a range of potential strategies.

    “Given the diversity of presentation, semi-structured interviews proved to be a productive tool for elucidating a range of potential strategies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    The benefits of in-person workforce participation to social functioning over time are well documented and include improved social relationships, community integration, improved sense of self-worth, and general quality of life.

    “The benefits of in-person workforce participation to social functioning over time are well documented and include improved social relationships, community integration, improved sense of self-worth, and general quality of life [4,5,6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Hedley, 2020, The Relationship Between Quality of Life and Job Satisfaction in Autistic Workers, Autism Dev. Disord. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] Hendricks, 2010, Employment and adults with autism spectrum disorders: Challenges and strategies for success, J. Vocat. Rehabil. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Mason, 2018, Predictors of quality of life for autistic adults, Autism Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In a situation where work time is less structured, it may be more difficult for an employee with autism to define a clear division into work and leisure.

    “In a situation where work time is less structured, it may be more difficult to define a clear division into work and leisure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Executive functioning challenges and/or comorbid ADHD can inhibit the ability of an employee with autism to prioritize tasks.

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

    Premisecitation

    Goldfarb et al. noted that an increase in work-life balance is presented as an advantage of remote working due to flexible work scheduling.

    “Goldfarb et al. [17] noted that an increase in work–life balance is presented as an advantage of remote working due to flexible work scheduling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] 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.

59 of 59

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Remote work is fast becoming normalized and broadly accepted across industries.

    “Remote working is fast becoming normalized and broadly accepted across industries.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Remote working is not a one-size-fits-all solution to the needs of employees.

    “Remote working is not a one-size-fits-all solution to the needs of employees, nor is it clear how this distance work environment meets the work participation needs of employees with autism.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    It is not clear how the distance work environment meets the work participation needs of employees with autism.

    “Remote working is not a one-size-fits-all solution to the needs of employees, nor is it clear how this distance work environment meets the work participation needs of employees with autism.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Polish employees with autism and business managers have little guidance on work adaptations for neurodiversity, let alone for remote working.

    “Polish employees with autism and business managers have little guidance on work adaptations for neurodiversity, let alone for remote working, which is becoming the new normal globally post-pandemic.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The norms that apply to employees with autism in remote work remain unclear.

    “However, with the remote work culture for all employees still in a state of change, the norms that apply to employees with autism remain unclear.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In Poland, the discussion of the work needs of individuals with autism is in its nascent stages and is only now gaining attention within the business community.

    “In Poland, the discussion of the work needs of individuals with autism is in its nascent stages and is only now gaining attention within the business community.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Every worker, regardless of disability status, will respond differently to different forms of correction by a supervisor.

    “Moreover, every worker, regardless of their disability status, will respond differently to different forms of correction by a supervisor.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Executive functioning challenges and/or comorbid ADHD can inhibit the ability of an employee with autism to prioritize tasks.

    “Both of these conditions can inhibit the ability of the employee to prioritize tasks.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Supervisors are properly trained in the needs of employees on the autism spectrum with a shift to virtual employment.

    “assuming that supervisors are properly trained in the needs of employees on the autism spectrum with a shift to virtual employment.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    This is the first study focused directly on the remote work support needs of employees with autism in Poland.

    “This is the first study focused directly on the remote work support needs of employees with autism in Poland, where the condition remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood amongst working adults.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In Poland, autism remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood amongst working adults.

    “where the condition remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood amongst working adults.”
11 of 11

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Environmental features including open-plan offices, background noise, and fluctuating sensory conditions may interact with differences in sensory processing to influence how work is experienced.

    “environmental features including open-plan offices, background noise, and fluctuating sensory conditions may interact with differences in sensory processing to influence how work is experienced (Tomczak et al., 2022)”

    From The system-level organisational design framework: a neuro-cognitive trait interaction approach to workplace inclusion for autistic people (2026) · cites this paper as Tomczak et al., 2022

    Section 3.1.1 (page unavailable) reports that sensory sensitivities can make a stationary office difficult for employees with autism, and describes sound-related distractors and differing preferences for light and sound. This supports the general interaction between workplace conditions and sensory processing, but our copy does not specifically discuss open-plan offices or fluctuating sensory conditions. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Homeworking may reduce sensory intensity while simultaneously introducing challenges relating to informal learning, isolation, or blurred work-life boundaries.

    “Homeworking may reduce sensory intensity while simultaneously introducing challenges relating to informal learning, isolation, or blurred work–life boundaries (Tomczak et al., 2022)”

    From The system-level organisational design framework: a neuro-cognitive trait interaction approach to workplace inclusion for autistic people (2026) · cites this paper as Tomczak et al., 2022

  • Remote work may provide greater control over environmental conditions and reduce exposure to high-stimulation settings.

    “Remote work, for example, may provide greater control over environmental conditions and reduce exposure to high-stimulation settings (Tomczak et al., 2022)”

    From The system-level organisational design framework: a neuro-cognitive trait interaction approach to workplace inclusion for autistic people (2026) · cites this paper as Tomczak et al., 2022

  • 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].”

    From Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review (2024) · cites this paper as [57]

  • Not commuting saved time and energy.

    “saved time and energy [39,57]”

    From Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review (2024) · cites this paper as [57]

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Konradt, 2000, Impacts of telework on individuals, organizations and families: A critical review, Int. Rev. Ind. Organ. Psychol., 15, 63
  2. Galletta, A. (2013). Mastering the Semi-Structured Interview and Beyond, New York University Press.
  3. Saldaña, J. (2021). The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers, SAGE.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Tomczak, M. T., Mpofu, E., & Hutson, N.
Affiliations
  • Gdańsk University of Technology (PL)
  • University of North Texas (US)
Corresponding author
Tomczak, Michał T.
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2022-09-02
Volume
19
Issue
17
Pages
10982
ISSN
1660-4601 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/ijerph191710982
PMC
PMC9518488
OpenAlex
W4294718926
Semantic Scholar
849ff13475dc2c0465eed7f53db57a0f82dfe67c
Cited by
42
References
36
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 1
FWCI
9.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • University of North Texas Digital Library (University of North Texas) (submittedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Gdańsk University of Technology (DEC-5/2021/IDUB/IV.2/EUROPIUM)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Education and Employment
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Work-Family Balance Challenges
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, remote work, sensory overload, work-life balance, employer-employee communication, flexible working hours, Poland
MeSH terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Female, Humans, Poland, Workplace, Qualitative Research

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.

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