Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Navigating Disclosure, Camouflaging, and Workplace Inclusion in Indonesia

In Indonesia, an estimated 2.4 million individuals are on the autism spectrum, yet their access to stable employment remains under-researched. This study addresses that gap by amplifying the voices of autistic adults in Indonesia, focusing on how they navigate disclosure, camouflaging, and workplace inclusion. The aim is to inform culturally responsive employment strategies grounded in the lived realities of neurodivergent individuals. An exploratory qualitative design was adopted. Twelve autistic adults participated in semi-structured interviews, providing accounts of their employment experiences. Thematic analysis revealed four interconnected themes: Disclosure and Identity Management, Cultural Norms and Systemic Barriers, Social Dynamics, and Call for Change. Participants described navigating complex decisions about whether, when, and how to disclose their diagnosis, often influenced by stigma and cultural expectations. They reported structural obstacles, such as limited accommodations and rigid workplace hierarchies, alongside interpersonal challenges including misunderstanding and exclusion by colleagues. Despite these barriers, participants advocated for greater awareness, acceptance, and tailored support within Indonesian workplaces. The findings underscore the need for employers to move beyond policy compliance towards neurodiversity-inclusive practices addressing systemic and cultural dimensions of exclusion.