graduates with asperegers forgotten

I agree. There are many graduates with AS unable to get jobs.

I think a large part of it though is about fitting in. Most work environments function around a social framework (in academic circles termed "being collegiate"). This social infrastructure isn't necessary to do the job. It is all about the group of people doing the job being able to connect on a social basis.

A person on the spectrum may get a job taking account of their disability, but the social infrastructure will find a way of ousting a perceived socially incompatible element. They will find ways of making life difficult or impossible while not actually appearing to discriminate.

My own working lifetime struggle was about fitting in. I could do the job, bar a need for frequent clarification, which tended to get me noticed. But my work colleagues always seemed concerned that I didn't belong, wasn't one of their kind, wasn't collegiate, didn't talk the right way etc etc. Attempts were made to get me sacked or transferred, but fortunately most of these failed through lack of anything other than opinion or hearsay. But the frequent attempts to get me out took a toll on my morale and self esteem.

I did survive in several careers to retirement, first in research & development, then as a lecturer. However I did get a PhD, albeit not completed until 30, having started as an undergraduate at 21.  Also I could write well, and although very focussed I had productive skills, just awkward gaps. And I could lecture well, which is part play acting and less need for eye contact and body language.

I have several times written to Ministers direct, or through MPs to try to get some legislation in the workplace that prevents competent workers being excluded from being employed because of social integration skills. I think the system prefers a workforce of chummy NTs which mean people on the spectrum have little chance.

Something needs to be done to overcome "fitting in".

I agree. There are many graduates with AS unable to get jobs.

I think a large part of it though is about fitting in. Most work environments function around a social framework (in academic circles termed "being collegiate"). This social infrastructure isn't necessary to do the job. It is all about the group of people doing the job being able to connect on a social basis.

A person on the spectrum may get a job taking account of their disability, but the social infrastructure will find a way of ousting a perceived socially incompatible element. They will find ways of making life difficult or impossible while not actually appearing to discriminate.

My own working lifetime struggle was about fitting in. I could do the job, bar a need for frequent clarification, which tended to get me noticed. But my work colleagues always seemed concerned that I didn't belong, wasn't one of their kind, wasn't collegiate, didn't talk the right way etc etc. Attempts were made to get me sacked or transferred, but fortunately most of these failed through lack of anything other than opinion or hearsay. But the frequent attempts to get me out took a toll on my morale and self esteem.

I did survive in several careers to retirement, first in research & development, then as a lecturer. However I did get a PhD, albeit not completed until 30, having started as an undergraduate at 21.  Also I could write well, and although very focussed I had productive skills, just awkward gaps. And I could lecture well, which is part play acting and less need for eye contact and body language.

I have several times written to Ministers direct, or through MPs to try to get some legislation in the workplace that prevents competent workers being excluded from being employed because of social integration skills. I think the system prefers a workforce of chummy NTs which mean people on the spectrum have little chance.

Something needs to be done to overcome "fitting in".