School-to-Work Transitions for Autistic Adults - PhD Research by Aleta Moriarty

Overview and Introduction

Hello, I'm Aleta Moriarty, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. This website presents information about my doctoral research investigating successful school-to-work transitions for Autistic adults in Australia.

In Australia, as in other countries, Autistic people face persistent challenges in achieving equitable access to and retention in meaningful work. Despite progressive legislation and targeted policy initiatives, significant disparities remain in employment rates for Autistic people. My research seeks to understand what factors support positive employment outcomes during the critical transition period from school to work.

Autism and Employment: Key Data

7 in 10

People with disabilities are inactive in the labour force, compared to 4 in 10 people without disabilities

21.4%

Of Australians (5.5 million people) report having a disability

290,900

Australians (1.1% of population) identified as Autistic in 2022

41.8%

Increase in Autistic identification since 2018

50.2%

Of working-age Autistic Australians participate in the labour force

18.2%

Unemployment rate for Autistic people (vs 3.1% for people without disability)

These inequities are underpinned by persistent structural and systemic barriers, which policy interventions have yet to overcome. Approximately one-third of Australian youth experience substantial challenges during the transition period, including extended unemployment and insecure work.

Recruitment: Participate in My Study

I am seeking Autistic adults (aged 24–40) who have successfully transitioned from school to stable and personally satisfying employment. My research seeks to identify the factors supporting positive employment outcomes and to inform more effective policy for Autistic individuals.

Eligibility Criteria

Identification as Autistic or with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Age between 24 and 40
At least one year's employment in a stable and personally satisfying position

What's Involved

One 60–90 minute interview, conducted online or in person in Victoria.

Participants will receive a $60 honorarium.

Register Your Interest

Click here to register your interest in participating

For immediate enquiries or to participate, please contact:

aleta.moriarty@student.unimelb.edu.au

This study has been approved by the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee, Reference Number: 32578.

Plain Language Statements

Easy Read

I am conducting a study on autistic individuals and their work experiences. I want to talk to Autistic people aged 24–40 who have had a good job for at least one year. The interview can be online or in person.

Please find easy read plain English statement here.

Standard

You are invited to take part in my research study about employment experiences of Autistic adults.

Please find plain language statement here.

Contact Me

For further information about my research or to participate in the study, please email aleta.moriarty@student.unimelb.edu.au