Hi all,
I would like to know (apart from qualifications) how people with Aspergers' can increase their chances of finding work.
I would also like to ask others if they mention that they have Aspergers' before or during an interview, or do most people not disclose this to an employer?
Hi Treaclesandwich,
Just a thought, but have you considered self-employment?
My son has fairly severe learning difficulties with reading, writing and comprehension issues as well as ASD. He couldn't get a job because of this. He's now part-time, self-employed.
This is great in so far as he works part-time to manage his work overload issues, does something he enjoys and doesn't have the issues of working for people who put unecessary pressure on him or who put productivity before an individuals well-being.
It's not for everyone and has it's downsides. My son has support through us, otherwise he would not have the skills to manage alone. Access to work (ATW) were very poor; in fact, I renamed them 'failure to access work.' However, they maybe more supportive of any venture you hope to embark on. Their are also courses for those who want to go self-employed and their maybe a local employment hub near you that runs them. My son attended the same course twice, to help him consolidate what he needed to learn.
You haven't said what it is you do, but I suspect it's something IT. Have a read of the attached link and assess whether you feel it's an option for you.
I too, am a carer and I work part-time, self-employed for the same reasons as my son. I'm an ASPIE and a carer of two on the spectrum. Working part-time allows me the option of fulfilling my care commitments, (I work around care commitments, not the other way around) as well as contributing to society, gleaning job satisfaction and having a life beyond care in my work, that helps make my life more meaningful.
The NHS, have a long established reputation for managing people out and bullying in the workplace. It's of little consolation that the government are putting institutions such as the NHS forward as the ideal options for those with ASD to gain employment. Judging by what I've witnessed in the NHS and their outright poor treatment of ASD workers, it seems much would have to change before the rhetoric became viable realizm.
Without wanting to rely too much on cliche's, people like Richard Branson, Bill gates etc all have learning difficulties of some kind, but have made a success of what they do, by finding the right support and surrounding themselves with enablers. I'm not suggesting you have a learning difficulty, so please don't be offended, but you clearly have some skills and perceptions that could benefit others through your uniqueness.
The small business sector of Britain is considered the backbone of Britains industry. We can't all be Richard Bransons, but the older I get, the more I realize that many with ASD enter Self-employment to circumnavigate the barriers they face to work. Balance is essential for well-being and if it's more that you need good balance rather than sole monetary gain, perhaps it's an option worth considering.
Hope the above suggestion is of some help. Good Luck!
Coogy.
Hi Treaclesandwich,
Just a thought, but have you considered self-employment?
My son has fairly severe learning difficulties with reading, writing and comprehension issues as well as ASD. He couldn't get a job because of this. He's now part-time, self-employed.
This is great in so far as he works part-time to manage his work overload issues, does something he enjoys and doesn't have the issues of working for people who put unecessary pressure on him or who put productivity before an individuals well-being.
It's not for everyone and has it's downsides. My son has support through us, otherwise he would not have the skills to manage alone. Access to work (ATW) were very poor; in fact, I renamed them 'failure to access work.' However, they maybe more supportive of any venture you hope to embark on. Their are also courses for those who want to go self-employed and their maybe a local employment hub near you that runs them. My son attended the same course twice, to help him consolidate what he needed to learn.
You haven't said what it is you do, but I suspect it's something IT. Have a read of the attached link and assess whether you feel it's an option for you.
I too, am a carer and I work part-time, self-employed for the same reasons as my son. I'm an ASPIE and a carer of two on the spectrum. Working part-time allows me the option of fulfilling my care commitments, (I work around care commitments, not the other way around) as well as contributing to society, gleaning job satisfaction and having a life beyond care in my work, that helps make my life more meaningful.
The NHS, have a long established reputation for managing people out and bullying in the workplace. It's of little consolation that the government are putting institutions such as the NHS forward as the ideal options for those with ASD to gain employment. Judging by what I've witnessed in the NHS and their outright poor treatment of ASD workers, it seems much would have to change before the rhetoric became viable realizm.
Without wanting to rely too much on cliche's, people like Richard Branson, Bill gates etc all have learning difficulties of some kind, but have made a success of what they do, by finding the right support and surrounding themselves with enablers. I'm not suggesting you have a learning difficulty, so please don't be offended, but you clearly have some skills and perceptions that could benefit others through your uniqueness.
The small business sector of Britain is considered the backbone of Britains industry. We can't all be Richard Bransons, but the older I get, the more I realize that many with ASD enter Self-employment to circumnavigate the barriers they face to work. Balance is essential for well-being and if it's more that you need good balance rather than sole monetary gain, perhaps it's an option worth considering.
Hope the above suggestion is of some help. Good Luck!
Coogy.
