How Neurodivergent Workers Use and Make Sense of Assistive Technologies: Implications for The AMO Model and Digital Masking

Sophie Hennekam, Emmanuelle Walkowiak and Joanna Szulc
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Sophie Hennekam: Audencia Business School
Emmanuelle Walkowiak: RMIT University - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
Joanna Szulc: GUT - Gdańsk University of Technology

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Abstract: This article explores how neurodivergent workers use and make sense of assistive technologies by drawing on 30 semi‐structured interviews with these individuals. We contribute to the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) model by revealing its underlying neuro‐normative assumptions. We show how assistive technologies, such as screen readers, influence the abilities and motivation of neurodivergent workers, making opportunities more attainable and allowing them to consider different career possibilities. We identify three processes through which assistive technologies influence the career development of neurodivergent workers. First, they can reduce cognitive, socioemotional and sensory challenges. Second, they can increase neurodivergent workers' feelings of confidence, autonomy, self‐efficacy and agency. Third, they can remove the stigma associated with neurodivergence. Finally, we show that while assistive technologies enable neurodivergent workers to digitally conceal their condition, doing so can also have unintended negative consequences. We call this concept, consisting of hiding one's neurodivergence through assistive technologies, digital masking.

Keywords: neurodiversity; careers; AMO model; attainability of opportunities; assistive technologies; abilities; neurodivergent workers opportunities stigma; opportunities; motivation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-02-26
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Published in New Technology, Work and Employment, 2026, 41 (2), pp.252-264. ⟨10.1111/ntwe.70025⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05739260

DOI: 10.1111/ntwe.70025

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