Support for workers diagnosed with ASD or ADHD after employment

Abstract

Objectives: To clarify the ways in which mental healthcare providers can assist “workers who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) after employment”. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 17 people, including two individuals involved in individual cases of support. Narrative descriptions were used to generate categories of support and to explain the process using a method similar to the grand theory approach. Results: Fourteen categories and five core categories were generated, which were [Assessment of problems in the workplace], [Adjustment of the intention of the workers and the workplace] and [Preparation of the support environment] to improve the current situation of the worker and co-workers in the workplace, while working to [Strengthen the coping ability of the worker] and [Strengthen the coping ability of co-workers in the workplace]. Conclusion: The results of this study, including previous research and existing support methods, clarified the overall picture of comprehensive support methods for workers who are suspected of having developmental disabilities.