A Self-Determination Theory Approach to Work Motivation of Autistic Adults: A Qualitative Exploratory Study.

Researchers interviewed 12 autistic adults about what motivates them at work. They found that autistic employees are motivated by factors like having income and independence, daily routines, doing meaningful work, and having jobs they find interesting. The study also identified that autistic workers need to feel competent, connected to others, and have the right balance of independence and structure at work to stay motivated and keep their jobs.

This qualitative study explored work motivation among 12 autistic adults (ages 28-47) using Self-Determination Theory as a framework. Through semi-structured interviews, researchers identified two major themes: work motivation factors across the self-determination continuum (including income/self-reliance, routine, social norms, meaning, and job interest) and satisfaction of psychological needs at work (competence, relatedness, and autonomy/structure). The study provides insights into the motivational drivers for autistic employees and suggests practical applications for supporting employment stability. Findings contribute to understanding how workplace environments can better meet the psychological needs of autistic workers.

Findings suggest workplace interventions should address multiple motivational factors and psychological needs. Employers and support services should consider individual differences in motivation while ensuring competence development, social connection opportunities, and balanced autonomy-structure approaches to improve employment outcomes for autistic adults.

Small sample size (n=12) limits generalizability. Qualitative design provides depth but not statistical significance. Gender imbalance (only 3 females) may not represent diverse autistic experiences. No comparison group included.

The study explores work motivation of autistic adults through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Twelve autistic employees (ages 28-47; 3 females) participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews about their work experience. Analysis combined inductive and deductive approaches, identifying motivational themes emerging from the interviews, and analyzing them according to SDT concepts. Two major themes emerged: (1) work motivation factors positioned on the self-determination continuum: income and self-reliance; a daily routine; social/familial internalized norms; meaning and contribution; and job interest; and (2) satisfaction of psychological needs at work, postulated by SDT: competence, social-relatedness, and autonomy and structure.

Findings are discussed in relation to current literature, and practical applications are suggested for meeting the motivational needs of autistic employees and promoting employment stability.