Employment-Related Assistive Technologies for Autistic Individuals: A Scoping Review

Background Autistic individuals face challenges in obtaining and retaining employment due to autism-related characteristics and workplace barriers. Assistive technologies (ATs) offer potential solutions but show gaps in practical application. Objectives This scoping review explores the types, characteristics, and effectiveness of ATs used in employment by autistic individuals. It also investigates the involvement of professionals from different fields in AT service delivery. Methods The study followed Arksey and O’Malley's scoping review framework. The search was conducted utilizing a total of eight databases and relevant references, retrieving articles for peer-reviewed studies published between 1998 and 2022. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical evaluations of ATs for employment-related purposes among autistic individuals aged 16 or older. Data were extracted and synthesized based on predefined categories. Results Thirty studies were identified, primarily targeting pre-employment skill training using ATs such as video modeling, virtual reality, and covert audio coaching. Few studies addressed on-the-job performance or retention. Most ATs were applied passively with limited user training or engagement. Researchers from fields like special education and psychology dominated the studies, with minimal involvement from rehabilitation counseling professionals. Conclusions While ATs show promise in pre-employment settings, their use for post-hiring support remains underexplored. Future research should prioritize active learning, rigorous methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, especially with rehabilitation counselors, to enhance AT applicability. Addressing training, affordability, and user satisfaction is essential for long-term success.