Affiliations: Disability Support Services, Indiana University of
Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, USA | Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Brian T. McMahon, Department of
Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth Universit, POB 980330,
Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. Tel.: +1 804 827 0917; Fax: +1 804 828 1321;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the employment discrimination experience of
Americans with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is documented for Title I of
the Americans with Disabilities Act. The researchers examine demographic
characteristics of the charging parties; the industry designation, location,
and size of employers against whom complaints are filed; the nature of
discrimination (i.e., type of complaint) alleged to occur; and the legal
outcome or resolution of these complaints. Researchers compare and contrast
these key dimensions of workplace discrimination involving individuals with
ASDs and persons with other physical, sensory, and neurological impairments.
Researchers also attempt to discern whether or not the resolutions of the ASD
charges can be predicted using the variables available for analysis. The
comparative findings of this study indicate that individuals with ASDs were
more likely to make charges of discrimination against Retail industry
employers. Persons with ASDs were also more likely to make charges of
discrimination when they were younger, male, and/or of Native American/Alaskan
Native ethnicity. The predictive findings of this study indicate that the odds
of ASD charges resulting in meritorious resolution (i.e., discrimination
determined by the EEOC to have occurred) increase when the discrimination was
encountered in Service industries and by larger employers. Implications for
policy, advocacy and further research efforts are addressed.
