The decline in mental health among workers in Japan has become a serious concern. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits are increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for mental health issues, yet few individuals receive a formal ASD diagnosis. This study aims to examine whether undiagnosed but working individuals with strong ASD characteristics differ in factors related to presenteeism (low productivity) compared to their counterparts with fewer ASD traits. In particular, we investigated the impact of social camouflaging—the behavioral adaptation used to mask ASD traits—especially on workers with strong ASD characteristics. An online survey was conducted among white-collar workers aged 20 to 60. The survey included items collecting demographic information (gender, age, marital status, highest level of education completed, employment status, job title, length of employment, and working hours) and included the Japanese versions of four validated instruments to measure aspects of autism traits, social camouflaging, work functioning, and occupational stress. Of the 543 respondents, 139 (25.6%) exhibited strong ASD characteristics. These individuals reported lower productivity than their counterparts. While social camouflaging was observed across all ASD trait levels, it was specifically linked to poorer mental health and reduced productivity among workers with strong ASD characteristics. To support workplace well-being and productivity, it is crucial to increase awareness and understanding of ASD traits in professional settings and create an environment that accommodates diverse work styles.

In white-collar workplaces, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits may experience psychological strain and reduced productivity. This study examined structural relationships among ASD traits, social camouflaging, psychological distress, and work functioning impairment, with a focus on gender differences using a secondary analysis of data from an online survey of 543 Japanese white-collar workers (284 men, 259 women). Validated instruments were used to assess ASD traits, camouflaging, psychological distress, and work functioning impairment. Multi-group structural equation modeling by gender was applied using a NIOSH-inspired model. Men scored higher on the Imagination subscale of ASD traits, whereas women scored higher on Attention Switching and Assimilation. ASD traits were indirectly associated with work impairment through psychological distress, while the direct path between ASD traits and work impairment became negative when distress was controlled, indicating a statistical suppression pattern that was more pronounced among women. Assimilation was significantly associated with psychological distress in women but not in men, although the gender difference was at the trend level. The findings indicate a cross-sectional, context-dependent association between ASD traits and work functioning and highlight the importance of considering both gender and workplace context in non-clinical working populations.