A survey of the workplace experiences of police force employees who are autistic and/or have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Samuel Joseph Tromans · Alison Drewett · Paul Hong Lee · Michelle J. O’Reilly

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Disability Education and Employment Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Workplace Health and Well-being

Abstract

Background There has been little focus on autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in occupational groups, particularly in high-demand roles such as the police. Aims To describe the characteristics and experiences of UK-based police force employees who are autistic and/or have ADHD, including the benefits and challenges their conditions bring to their occupation, their need for reasonable adjustments, and their co-occurring mental illnesses. Method An online survey was developed, containing both quantitative and qualitative elements. Survey invitations were disseminated through the National Police Autism Association. The survey was open from 23 April to 23 July 2022. Results A total of 117 participants participated in the survey, including 66 who were autistic and 51 with ADHD. Participants who were autistic and/or had ADHD widely reported both benefits and challenges related to their condition(s) in policing work. Both the autistic and ADHD groups widely reported having requested workplace adjustments related to their condition(s), although these were frequently not made. Anxiety (n = 57; 49%) and depression (n = 40; 36%) were both highly prevalent among the participants. The qualitative findings identified four themes: (a) motivations for taking on this career, (b) rewards of the role, (c) challenges of the job and (d) challenges regarding career progression. Conclusions Police force employees who are autistic and/or have ADHD reported that their conditions provided both benefits and challenges with respect to policing work, and that they had requested related workplace adjustments, although such adjustments frequently do not take place. Healthcare professionals need to recognise the importance of workplace considerations and advocacy for people who are autistic and/or have ADHD.

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2014Employment Activities and Experiences of Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Disorder 2014A Systematic Review of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Criminal Justice System 2019The advantages and challenges of neurodiversity employment in organizations 2016Experiences of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Policing in England and Wales: Surveying Police and the Autism Community 2021The Strengths and Abilities of Autistic People in the Workplace 2022Autistic adults’ views and experiences of requesting and receiving workplace adjustments in the UK 2020Sources and impact of occupational demands for autistic employees 2022Workplace Adjustments for Autistic Employees: What is ‘Reasonable’?

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