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How does underemployment affect individuals with Autism? 

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ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

While much attention is given to unemployment, under-employment: working below one’s skills, hours, or potential is a quieter but equally serious issue for many autistic adults. Recent UK evidence from Buckland Review of Autism Employment (DWP, 2024) suggests that even when autistic people secure work, they are often overqualified, underpaid, or unsupported, leading to long-term emotional and financial consequences. 

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What the evidence shows 

According to the Buckland Review of Autism Employment (DWP, 2024), only about three in ten working-age autistic adults are employed but many of those in work are underemployed. The review found widespread “skills mismatch,” where highly capable autistic professionals are placed in junior or part-time roles because employers misunderstand their communication or support needs. 

The National Autistic Society (NAS) notes that nearly half of autistic employees report being in positions far below their qualification level. This can lead to frustration, reduced motivation, and, in some cases, mental health decline. 

Similarly, research by Autistica (2023) highlights that inconsistent access to workplace adjustments and job-coaching support often forces autistic adults to accept roles that don’t reflect their true capabilities. 

The human impact of underemployment 

Underemployment doesn’t just limit career growth; it affects self-esteem and wellbeing. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that autistic adults who are under-stimulated or excluded from decision-making experience higher stress and lower job satisfaction compared to those in matched, supported roles. 

Financially, underemployment contributes to a persistent autism pay gap, with many autistic workers earning significantly less than neurotypical peers doing comparable work. According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) review, this gap averages over 30%, not due to lack of skill, but lack of opportunity. 

Emotionally, being under-challenged can mirror the effects of unemployment: isolation, reduced confidence, and disengagement from the workforce. The NICE guidance (CG170) stresses the importance of meaningful occupation and workplace inclusion for autistic mental health and daily functioning. 

What can help 

Experts agree that preventing underemployment requires systemic change not individual adaptation. Employers can make a major difference by: 

  • Using skills-based recruitment instead of personality-based interviews. 
  • Offering structured progression routes and regular reviews of roles. 
  • Providing access to job coaching via the Access to Work scheme. 
  • Embedding autism-inclusive practices recommended by ACAS and NHS England, such as clear communication and predictable routines. 

The takeaway 

Underemployment may be less visible than unemployment, but its impact is just as real. When autistic adults are placed in roles beneath their skill level, everyone loses: the individual, the employer, and the economy. 

As the Buckland Review (2024) makes clear, recognising autistic talent and matching it to meaningful work is essential not just for equality, but for innovation and social progress. 

For employers and families seeking practical guidance on inclusive hiring and career development, visit Autism Detect for resources based on UK policy and NICE -aligned best practice. 

Beatrice Holloway, MSc
Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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