Aspergers and Employment?

I love angels · 15-06-2013 4:51pm #1

Hi Everyone,
I was just wondering what would be the best and worst jobs for someone with Aspergers Syndrome? (mild Aspergers)

Do you think any of these jobs would be suitable for someone with Aspergers:
Library Assistant
Librarian
Secretary
Psychologist
Assistant Psychologist
Receptionist
Administrative Assistant
Civil Servant
Lawyer - Solicitor or Barrister

Can you reccommend any good books about Aspergers Syndrome and Employment?

Thank you

dar100 · 19-06-2013 2:58pm

Hi,

Sorry for tailing on your thread, but I would be interested in any replies to this posting as I am currently working with a client who is presenting with the same issue

Valmont · 19-06-2013 5:49pm

I don't see why they should be limited in any of their life choices because somebody thinks they are 'suffering' from being mildly different! Treat these people as people; not people with mild aspergers. It's not infectious (and most likely doesn't even exist).

dar100 · 20-06-2013 1:37pm

Valmont wrote: »

I don't see why they should be limited in any of their life choices because somebody thinks they are 'suffering' from being mildly different! Treat these people as people; not people with mild aspergers. It's not infectious (and most likely doesn't even exist).

I don't see how asking a question such as the above, can be viewed as not treating the individual as a person! Your assumption is unfounded.

It's debatable whether Aspergers actually exists, but what is very real is the symptoms these individuals suffer with, regardless of the diagnosis attached to them.

Some of the individual symptoms may limit certain types of employment, or at the very lest cause social and emotional problems for the person.

JuliusCaesar · 20-06-2013 1:42pm

dar100 wrote: »

Some of the individual symptoms traits may limit certain types of employment, or at the very lest cause social and emotional problems for the person.

Yes. Working as a statistician would cause me a lot of problems. Ditto for engineering. Or any job requiring maths. :pac:

gizmo555 · 20-06-2013 1:48pm

Have you heard about this initiative of SAP, the German software giant:

SAP to Work With Specialisterne to Employ People With Autism
May 21, 2013 | SAP - Corporate
WALLDORF, Germany - In support of its mission to help the world run better and improve people's lives, SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced it will work globally with Specialisterne to employ people with autism as software testers, programmers and data quality assurance specialists. SAP sees a potential competitive advantage to leveraging the unique talents of people with autism, while also helping them to secure meaningful employment. It is estimated that one percent* of the world’s population is affected by autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Specialisterne is an internationally recognized leader in harnessing the talents of people with autism to work in technology-oriented jobs such as software testing, programming and data management. Originally founded in Denmark, Specialisterne has operations around the world, including offices in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Iceland and Poland. As part of the partnership, Specialisterne will extend its operations to support SAP’s global expansion of the program over the next several years.

http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/news.epx?PressID=20938

dar100 · 20-06-2013 2:05pm

JuliusCaesar wrote: »

Yes. Working as a statistician would cause me a lot of problems. Ditto for engineering. Or any job requiring maths. :pac:[/QUO

No symptoms, as in syndrome, used to describe a collection of symptoms

skooterblue2 · 28-08-2013 11:37am

Cheffing and line picking in a ware house wrecked my head.
Working on the line and quality were great jobs.
Now doing medical engineering but want to be an acupuncturist

flanna01 · 29-08-2013 7:44pm

Aspergers shouldn't be relevant with regards to employment ??

Slight difficulty with social gatherings, and awkward conversations, kinda covers about half the population.

Most aspergers sufferers are of above intelligence, they can be quite talented too (In many ways eg: musically gifted / artistic..etc..)

Nah.... There are no barriers because somebody has aspergers - If anything, it's the ''normal'' population that need their ignorance of the condition addressing!

samo · 29-08-2013 7:50pm

gizmo555 wrote: »

Have you heard about this initiative of SAP, the German software giant:

SAP to Work With Specialisterne to Employ People With Autism
May 21, 2013 | SAP - Corporate
WALLDORF, Germany - In support of its mission to help the world run better and improve people's lives, SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced it will work globally with Specialisterne to employ people with autism as software testers, programmers and data quality assurance specialists. SAP sees a potential competitive advantage to leveraging the unique talents of people with autism, while also helping them to secure meaningful employment. It is estimated that one percent* of the world’s population is affected by autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Specialisterne is an internationally recognized leader in harnessing the talents of people with autism to work in technology-oriented jobs such as software testing, programming and data management. Originally founded in Denmark, Specialisterne has operations around the world, including offices in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Iceland and Poland. As part of the partnership, Specialisterne will extend its operations to support SAP’s global expansion of the program over the next several years.

http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/news.epx?PressID=20938

Specialisterne have a really good programme going here and fantastic mentoring/coaching etc and not limited to just IT specific jobs but believe this is extending to other parts of the country also.

skooterblue2 · 03-12-2013 10:09pm

Ok have this from the National Learning Network
**** Jobs for Aspergers:
Cashier
Short order Cook
Waitress
Casino dealer
Taxi dispatch
Taking oral dictation
Airline ticket agent
Futures Market trader
Air traffic Controller
Receptionist and telephone operator

Good Jobs for visual thinker
Computer programming
Drafting like AutoCAD and Inventor
Commercial Art
Photography
Equipment design
Animal trainer or Veterinary technician
Automobile Mechanic
Computer Trouble shooting
Small appliance repair
Lab technician
Web page design
Building Trades
Vido game design
Computer Animation
Building Maintenance
Factory maintenance

Non Visual thinkers
Accounting
Library science
computer programming
Engineering
journalist
Copy editor
Taxi driver
Bank Teller
Clerk bank teller
Telemarketing
Statician
Physicist

Non verbal people
Reshelving Library books
Factory assembly
Copy shop
Janitor
Data entry
Plant care
Fast food resturaunt
Recycling plant
Restocking shelves

skooterblue2 · 03-12-2013 10:14pm

flanna01 wrote: »

Aspergers shouldn't be relevant with regards to employment ??

Slight difficulty with social gatherings, and awkward conversations, kinda covers about half the population.

Most aspergers sufferers are of above intelligence, they can be quite talented too (In many ways eg: musically gifted / artistic..etc..)

Nah.... There are no barriers because somebody has aspergers - If anything, it's the ''normal'' population that need their ignorance of the condition addressing!

I am half and half with you.
Yeah the Neuro typicals need a lot more education, a lot more.
See my above post these jobs are from the National Learning Network handout.
Aspergers shouldn't have anything to do with your chosen profession but there are some profession you should avoid like the plague

Roquentin · 09-06-2014 5:42pm

A job working alone without too many meetings would suit id say.

Labarbapostiza · 16-06-2014 10:29pm

Valmont wrote: »

I don't see why they should be limited in any of their life choices because somebody thinks they are 'suffering' from being mildly different!

In the real world, "fitting in" is the most valued "skill". Conformity over all else.

Treat these people as people; not people with mild aspergers. It's not
infectious (and most likely doesn't even exist).

I have a heart breaking truth for you. People are stupid. Ignorant, stupid, nasty and selfish. But above all, they are afraid. You can tell these ignorant people that a condition like Aspergers isn't infectious, but to be on the safe side they want it well away from them. I've made the mistake of telling people non-infectious conditions I have, and their piggy eyes well up and they edge away.

Depression awareness campaigns have been advising people to speak up about their experience. I wouldn't advise anyone to speak about it to anyone but their doctor.

Roquentin · 16-06-2014 11:52pm

Labarbapostiza wrote: »

In the real world, "fitting in" is the most valued "skill". Conformity over all else.

I have a heart breaking truth for you. People are stupid. Ignorant, stupid, nasty and selfish. But above all, they are afraid. You can tell these ignorant people that a condition like Aspergers isn't infectious, but to be on the safe side they want it well away from them. I've made the mistake of telling people non-infectious conditions I have, and their piggy eyes well up and they edge away.

Depression awareness campaigns have been advising people to speak up about their experience. I wouldn't advise anyone to speak about it to anyone but their doctor.

I agree on both your points.

for a professional job, you have to have good communication skills above all else. You hear fluidly and speak crisply and clearly. You could have a first class honors degree, but if your interpersonal skills are poor, which mine are, you will struggle.

A graduate job interview is not about your credentials, but can they work with you.

I agree as well about keeping your medical history private. Its alright with your friends, they know you. But telling everyone you have this and that wont be good.

The professional environment is competitive as well. When i did an undergrad placement, you had people gossiping about others. They thrive on gossip.

There is a big difference between the minimum wage environment and the professional.

Greystoner · 08-07-2014 11:17pm

I suppose it depends what they are interested in. People with Aspergers often have a 'limited, but detailed interest' in something, so if they could find a career related to their interest, than what better? Eg into computers and programming, job in Silicon Valley etc.

As it is a spectrum, some aspies function better socially than others, some are socially seeking, and some shy away. Social skills can be taught to help them 'fit in' but they are normal people who just think differently. Thinking outside the box can be very useful in a career choice.

So I would stick with the what they
are good at, go for it.

DenisOakley · 24-07-2014 2:44am

It's all about what you can do - not how you should be categorised. Job titles and aspergers are both categories and can be unhelpful. The job title because it closes your mind to other options. Aspergers because it often gives people a limiting framework.

I start businesses. I don't really like people and when my wife takes the children away to see her family I am quite happy to stay in the house by my self for a few weeks and not talk to other people.

Several psychiatrists have diagnosed me with Aspergers and I've taken a bunch of pills for it. Was the process helpful? Not really. The fact is when I need to do something for my business I get out there and do it. If I have to spend to much time with people I have a whole bunch of coping mechanisms that bring me back into balance. And so on and so forth.

You can do pretty much anything if you want to - the key is to stay happy, manage the stress levels and have a safe place to retreat to.

Roquentin · 24-07-2014 12:24pm

DenisOakley wrote: »

It's all about what you can do - not how you should be categorised. Job titles and aspergers are both categories and can be unhelpful. The job title because it closes your mind to other options. Aspergers because it often gives people a limiting framework.

I start businesses. I don't really like people and when my wife takes the children away to see her family I am quite happy to stay in the house by my self for a few weeks and not talk to other people.

Several psychiatrists have diagnosed me with Aspergers and I've taken a bunch of pills for it. Was the process helpful? Not really. The fact is when I need to do something for my business I get out there and do it. If I have to spend to much time with people I have a whole bunch of coping mechanisms that bring me back into balance. And so on and so forth.

You can do pretty much anything if you want to - the key is to stay happy, manage the stress levels and have a safe place to retreat to.

I am in the same boat. People are stressful to me (not aspergers but have a personality disorder with similar traits).

Labarbapostiza · 24-07-2014 3:48pm

Roquentin wrote: »

I am in the same boat. People are stressful to me (not aspergers but have a personality disorder with similar traits).

People are stressful to me too.......Because I have a personality.

There is another major factor in dealing with "normal" people that can be very difficult. A significant number of "normal" people, have undiagnosed personality disorders, and mental health issues that can make them very difficult to deal with. They can fly under the radar for a variety of different reasons, and some of the facets of their disorder can in fact help them to progress at work.

The dark triad; narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. These can be common factors in various personality disorders. These traits help them to progress in the work place, to put it simply, by enabling them to stab anyone in the back, who gets in their way. To survive them generally requires a great degree of social awareness, good acting skills, and the ability to hide any vulnerabilities you might have. If you have anxiety issues, you can not hide, they will go for you like a dog. (I have heard acting class might help with this).

The thing about a personality disorder or Asperger's, and work, is you just might get away with it. People do.

Roquentin · 24-07-2014 4:34pm

Labarbapostiza wrote: »

People are stressful to me too.......Because I have a personality.

There is another major factor in dealing with "normal" people that can be very difficult. A significant number of "normal" people, have undiagnosed personality disorders, and mental health issues that can make them very difficult to deal with. They can fly under the radar for a variety of different reasons, and some of the facets of their disorder can in fact help them to progress at work.

The dark triad; narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. These can be common factors in various personality disorders. These traits help them to progress in the work place, to put it simply, by enabling them to stab anyone in the back, who gets in their way. To survive them generally requires a great degree of social awareness, good acting skills, and the ability to hide any vulnerabilities you might have. If you have anxiety issues, you can not hide, they will go for you like a dog. (I have heard acting class might help with this).

The thing about a personality disorder or Asperger's, and work, is you just might get away with it. People do.

narcissism is rife in the professional environment alright. You have to be fully sure of your ability to work in such stress and hence people adopt a narcissist approach. Narcissism is very common among the white collar jobs.

There is a difference between your stress and lets say my stress. When i have to deal with people i develop an anxiety. I dont like dealing with people not because i feel i am better than them like a narcissist, but rather because dealing with anyone is stress. Your stress is because you are dealing with self absorbed co workers who like you say are extremely competitive.

Labarbapostiza · 24-07-2014 6:37pm

Roquentin wrote: »

narcissism is rife in the professional environment alright. You have to be fully sure of your ability to work in such stress and hence people adopt a narcissist approach. Narcissism is very common among the white collar jobs.

Narcissism is quite complicated. Paradoxically, it's not self love, it's self loathing. The wicked Queen in Snow White is a narcissist. She needs constant validation; the mirror tells her she's the fairest of them all. When the mirror then tells her she's no longer the fairest of them all, there is one fairer; Snow White, the Queen very literally goes crazy. The Queen is a text book definition of a narcissist; even better than the text book.

Roughly 30% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder, also have narcissism. This is not a good combination. People with BPD, have a difficulty in recognising facial gestures <i>correctly</i>. This is not to be confused with the experience of people with Autism and Asperger's. People with BPD tend to see anger and negativity in neutral faces. They may believe you're invalidating them when you're not; combine this with narcissism, and you have the Queen going crazy because even if the mirror does say she's the fairest of them all, the Queen might hear it as sarcasm, even though it's not, and then she goes crazy.

There is a difference between your stress and lets say my stress. When i have to deal with people i develop an anxiety. I dont like dealing with people not because i feel i am better than them like a narcissist, but rather because dealing with anyone is stress. Your stress is because you are dealing with self absorbed co workers who like you say are extremely competitive.

No, I do have an understanding of what's happening to you. There's an article in today's Guardian, I've posted the link below. Louise Kidney, a person with Asperger's, writing on her experience of her job and how it burned her out. It is very interesting, some of the things she would do; she had a 100 different scripts for dealing with different people. The kind of stress she was experiencing was literally at the level that causes cognitive function to fail.

You need to find approaches that will not overwhelm you. I think Louise made a mistake in having 100 different scripts for different people, when she should have just limited it to 5. Read the article....It that your experience?

http://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2014/jul/24/autism-gds-louise-kidney?CMP=fb_gu

Valmont · 24-07-2014 8:23pm

I don't see how a personality, as I understand the definition, can be 'disordered' in any objective way.

Aspergers and Employment?

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