finding work

Probably better not to use agencies, as the staff are likely only to be trained for conventional placements, and will probably do something silly with an unusual background.

Get a good CV (curriculum vitae) or several for different job areas, and get advice on how to write them from any contacts you can get (family friend in business or in personnel). Get the best advice you can on setting it out well. This will also help fill in application forms.

Use the web (eg Kompass) to find out about employers before applying. You can get some edge by showing in you application you know about their work, and it also avoids you making futile applications.

If you are providing references tell the people you've named whether or not you are disclosing your AS status. Referees may not be allowed to disclose your disability, so it can be very hard for them if they have to give a low score, or let slip some doubt if asked specifically about social skills or team work. They cannot offer mitigating circumstances. Let referees know about jobs you are applying for and send them the details. 

This whole question of disclosure is tricky. The trouble is if you don't disclose and they see something odd at interview, that's a wasted interview potentially, or if you get the job and immediately run into difficulties doing it, not having disclosed could lose you the job. But really employer understanding of autistic spectrum is poor and disclosing could be very tricky.

NAS goes on about providing employers with an assessment of your needs but how practical is that in job applications? I wish NAS would take employment seriously because the website advice doesn't seem to understand the problems.

Probably better not to use agencies, as the staff are likely only to be trained for conventional placements, and will probably do something silly with an unusual background.

Get a good CV (curriculum vitae) or several for different job areas, and get advice on how to write them from any contacts you can get (family friend in business or in personnel). Get the best advice you can on setting it out well. This will also help fill in application forms.

Use the web (eg Kompass) to find out about employers before applying. You can get some edge by showing in you application you know about their work, and it also avoids you making futile applications.

If you are providing references tell the people you've named whether or not you are disclosing your AS status. Referees may not be allowed to disclose your disability, so it can be very hard for them if they have to give a low score, or let slip some doubt if asked specifically about social skills or team work. They cannot offer mitigating circumstances. Let referees know about jobs you are applying for and send them the details. 

This whole question of disclosure is tricky. The trouble is if you don't disclose and they see something odd at interview, that's a wasted interview potentially, or if you get the job and immediately run into difficulties doing it, not having disclosed could lose you the job. But really employer understanding of autistic spectrum is poor and disclosing could be very tricky.

NAS goes on about providing employers with an assessment of your needs but how practical is that in job applications? I wish NAS would take employment seriously because the website advice doesn't seem to understand the problems.