I want to give up :/

I have work in IT as a Computer Programmer / Web Developer for many years. It is a tough industry to get a break in to, NT or ASD. Main problem is experience, employers want graduates with a couple of years experience on the tools they are using. A couple of things you can do, is to fund and study professional certification courses. You can even do these self-study and pay for the exams. These can give you a chance to overcome the qualifications hurdle, and will certainly help you with technical interviews. 

These days there are many open-source projects for various free-ware projects on almost any type of software. These rely on interested developers to contribute their time in developing and supporting the software. If you can get involved in a project that relates to an interest, you can gain valuable experience. Its a massive learning curve, and requires a lot of dedication, but just the kind of stuff aspies can thrive at, getting stuck in and hands dirty at a very deep technical level.

There will always be employers who will consider graduates only, but currently there is a shortage for developers, and having professional certification and experience on voluntary open source projects will go a long way to help to get that first break.

This can also work in self-employed route, working as a contractor. I have had some great leads from www.jobserve.com

Paul

Let me help you.  I work full-time and I have changed jobs a number of times, which has involved going to interviews and refining my CV.  Check out my blog here https://goo.gl/KvKqbg check out my posts on interviews and CV writing in the EMployment section and get in touch with me.  I would be happy to help you.

oso said:

If you live close to London, and have IT skills, contact a company called Specialisterne - http://uk.specialisterne.com/ - they specialise in IT jobs for people in the autistic spectrum.  I hope this helps.   I am applying for jobs just now.  I wish you all the best.

You mean if you don't mind a noisy commute to London if you are living in suburban areas/boroughs or just outside london, are a computer whiz (computer science major/graduate) in engineering, electrical systems, computer networking/architecture, and have a first class degree in any STEM subject, sure you'll be the perfect candidate. I've seen so many people get turned down by Specialisterne because - like myself - they have at most basic IT skills like programming concepts, intermediate microsoft office experience, and how to build a computer (I can do all of these) but I won't be suitable in Specialisterne.

They have the misconception that all aspergers/autistics are fully able to comprehend complex information, too much of an association with that rain man film I think.

Hi Mark,

I'm not working at the moment and was diagnosed with Asperger's last year.  I have struggled in the workplace from the word go.  But I have took time out and have become involved in a volunteer project to boost my web development skills.  I really value Coogy's advice and if you fancy being self-employed - go for it.  The world is your oyster and you can work from home or library.  I used to work freelance and often worked from the library when I lived with my parents at the time.   Definately contact your local NAS hub to speak to an advisor about employment and autism friendly employers.  If you live close to London, and have IT skills, contact a company called Specialisterne - http://uk.specialisterne.com/ - they specialise in IT jobs for people in the autistic spectrum.  I hope this helps.   I am applying for jobs just now.  I wish you all the best.

Oso

I'm in the same position as you, but i am a jobseeker and only been in short unpaid work experience placements that have been referred by the jobcentre and not by my doing, i've only ever landed a full time job in a warehouse which was not suitable at all for my level of fitness. I'd consider self-employment but my family says I have nothing to use, plus I have budgeting problems as well as a gambling addiction which is hard to get rid of; plus none of my family would be willing to pay towards whatever venture/investment I care to start. The only skill I have is computers and the IT industry for self-employment is pretty much something that has either been computerised or not in demand any more. There are coding websites online that people want solutions to, where you would use your spare time at home doing coding in whatever language you please and give the source code or working program back and they would pay you for it, not that much money but it depends how much time and knowledge you want to put in.

If you want more advice i'd suggest going to a forum like wrongplanet.net (US-based) where there are many other people on the spectrum willing to talk about their experiences in jobs.

Hi Mark,

   You haven't said how old you are or what you are interested in doing. Do you have qualifications or experience in a given field?

The reason I ask is that I had similar problems with work only under different circumstances. I was constantly called into School to collect one or other of my boys, due to illness etc and this exasibated some work difficulties I personally was experiencing 9I'm Aspie also). In addition, I couldn't expect an employer to tolerate frequent unplanned absense.

In the end I started up my own business from home. The up side of this is that you plan your working time around your family commitments, which is what I do around the care of my boys. For you however, this option might be a useful option in order to move toward the indepence you seek.

It's tough, i cannot deny that, but if you have reasonable executive function and feel you can manage self-employment, then it may be worth trying. Start slowly and work your way up. If it proves sucessful, you may be able to do the full time job you enjoy. Many like the lady whose link I've supplied, have crafted their job around their interests, but have used other startegies to circumnavigate some of the communication difficulties or social difficulties they have.

I've attached a link in case you want to asscertain your suitability for this option. It surrounds a females experiences, but her advice is sound for all considering self-employment.

musingsofanaspie.com/.../

Another option is to look at the possibility of work support through your local autism hub. It might be worth asking them what support their is in your area. Some areas have social enterprize projects with paid staff members forming the skeleton of the staffing business with the remaining training or volunteering.

Don't give up Mark, Their is a place for everyone in the working world, it's just that some employers need educating in the gifts that those on the spectrum have to offer. Remember, if the conventional NT world doesn't suit your needs, you need to think outside the box and make your own rules to achieve. So long as it's done right, it's legal and you are realistic about achieving your goals, the only limit is your own imagination. Good Luck 

Coogy x

Hi mark123,

I'm sorry to hear you are having problems with employment at the moment. You may like to conact our helpline as we can signpost you to support http://www.autism.org.uk/our-services/advice-and-information-services/autism-helpline/how-to-contact-us.aspx We have some information on our website about employment that you may already have researched but if not it can be found here http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with/support-for-employers/jobseekers.aspx We also have an online enquiry form where you can select employment as your enquiry https://www.autism.org.uk/our-services/advice-and-information-services/autism-helpline/helpline-enquiry-form.aspx

I hope that this helps you but if not please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sofie Mod.