Work Inclusion Experience: The Case of Oscar, a Pianist with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Through this article, the researcher aimed to describe the experience of a successful case of labor inclusion of a person with autism spectrum disorder [ASD] through workplace support. The study is framed within a qualitative methodology with a case study design narrated from the experience of a colleague at work. Moreover, the sample selection was convenience-based as it occurred in a specific context where the University of Costa Rica hired a 38-year-old pianist with a diagnosis of ASD to perform the role of accompanying pianist for Complementary Singing courses. Regarding the information, the author obtained it through document collection, structured interviews with the pianist's mother, a former music teacher, and a person belonging to the PROEMDIS team, in addition to observations with full participation. Furthermore, the data obtained were categorized into five thematic criteria: family support in childhood, first steps as a piano student in school age, challenges in the work environment, types of work support, and evolution of the inclusion process. Hence, the investigator concluded that approaching the inclusion process with a long-term perspective resulted in small continuous advances that built a positive change over time. The trust achieved in the process over these four years exhibited a favorable modulation of emotions, reactions to new experiences, impulse control, and dysfunctional behaviors, opening the way to new social contacts and environments. Employers are urged to create an environment adapted to their employees with ASD so that they can remain in the workplace and aspire to job stability, an improvement in income that empowers and motivates them, giving the possibility of opening a path towards a better quality of life.