Journal article
A person-centred, latent profile analysis of assistive technology needs among autistic adults in employment
Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology, Vol.21(4), pp.1167-1182
05/19/2026
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2025.2583314
PMID: 41208536
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to identify distinct profiles of assistive technology (AT) needs among autistic adults in employment contexts and examine whether these profiles predict differences in life satisfaction. It also explored individual characteristics associated with profile membership.
Methods
A total of 501 autistic adults completed an online survey assessing employment-related AT needs, AT awareness, life satisfaction and demographic characteristics. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups based on AT needs. A Wald chi-square test was conducted to assess whether life satisfaction differed across the identified profiles, and a multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine predictors of profile membership.
Results
Three AT needs profiles emerged: low, mid and high. Life satisfaction significantly differed across profiles, with individuals in the high-needs group reporting greater life satisfaction than those in the mid-needs group. Additionally, greater AT awareness and older age were significant predictors of high-needs profile membership.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that AT needs profiles are meaningfully associated with life satisfaction. Individuals with greater AT needs may be more engaged in identifying support and exercising personal agency, which contributes to well-being. These results underscore the importance of promoting awareness and inclusive AT services to improve life satisfaction among autistic adults in employment.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A person-centred, latent profile analysis of assistive technology needs among autistic adults in employment
- Creators
- Kaiqi Zhou - University of North TexasJaeyoung Kim - Michigan State UniversityHeerak Choi - Northwestern University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology, Vol.21(4), pp.1167-1182
- DOI
- 10.1080/17483107.2025.2583314
- PMID
- 41208536
- NLM abbreviation
- Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol
- ISSN
- 1748-3107
- eISSN
- 1748-3115
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- College of Health and Public Service University of North Texas (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/100008973)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/19/2026
- Academic Unit
- Counselor Education and Supervision
- Record Identifier
- 9985219301802771
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