High-Funct Aspie.

Amazed I've managed to log in, because my security kicks up a dreadful fuss if I try to override, and I feel sorry for those using workplace computers or public access terminals.

"My ears are burning" as the expression goes. So I guess I ought to respond. Yes I did have a career, but it wasn't easy, particularly with regard to missed promotion, not least because sporadic communication difficulties made me appear an unlikely candidate for people management roles.

The employment issue is too little understood. Part of the problem is that for a long time people at the able end of autism/aspergers haven't been considered in research. This is partly because if we haven't registered disabled or accessed support services we aren't on any lists.

However even if you put yourself forward to be considered you mostly get refused or ignored. There is still a strong belief amongst professionals, particularly psychologists and psychiatrists, and also GPs, that if you are able to work you haven't got an autism condition. You're just someone with immaturity problems or delusional.

So the trouble is little is known about the working world of people with autism. Because those that are working don't count. So how does anyone know what happens in the workplace.

I'm coherent most of the time, even quite skilled. Either as a researcher in industry or an academic I've had to develop skills that counter the effects. Its just sometimes, if I'm tired or stressed or there's too much background I lose coherence, both in terms of expressing myself (and appearances) and in terms of understanding others. That undermines my credibility and the reactions of others undermines my self confidence and self esteem. So I can understand why so many withdraw and isolate themselves because these coherence issues are so damaging.

I think that pattern equates to a lot of people deemed abler or "milder" if indeed such a word applies to it.

But because we are being ignored by the scientists the input we could make is lost.

I take Louby's point about it being easier to try to blend in and avoid explaining the impossible.

But that's why suicide and depression is high amongst "able" aspies, and why so many don't stick at difficult work environments. Social coherence problems are very demoralising. The "I'm all right jack" professionals who are so dismissive of able aspergers fail to realise that even periodic loss of coherence and credibility is damaging.

I wish I could do something to change this perception of us amongst the scientists. But the problem is we really are the HIDDEN disability. Either it is so adverse that we are isolated, unemployed and lacking the means of representation. Or we are able, and not taken seriously, and its in our best interests to keep quiet about it and struggle on.

Very convenient for the professionals (and this shabby government). As we are unable to represent ourselves, one way or another, we can be conveniently disregarded.

Amazed I've managed to log in, because my security kicks up a dreadful fuss if I try to override, and I feel sorry for those using workplace computers or public access terminals.

"My ears are burning" as the expression goes. So I guess I ought to respond. Yes I did have a career, but it wasn't easy, particularly with regard to missed promotion, not least because sporadic communication difficulties made me appear an unlikely candidate for people management roles.

The employment issue is too little understood. Part of the problem is that for a long time people at the able end of autism/aspergers haven't been considered in research. This is partly because if we haven't registered disabled or accessed support services we aren't on any lists.

However even if you put yourself forward to be considered you mostly get refused or ignored. There is still a strong belief amongst professionals, particularly psychologists and psychiatrists, and also GPs, that if you are able to work you haven't got an autism condition. You're just someone with immaturity problems or delusional.

So the trouble is little is known about the working world of people with autism. Because those that are working don't count. So how does anyone know what happens in the workplace.

I'm coherent most of the time, even quite skilled. Either as a researcher in industry or an academic I've had to develop skills that counter the effects. Its just sometimes, if I'm tired or stressed or there's too much background I lose coherence, both in terms of expressing myself (and appearances) and in terms of understanding others. That undermines my credibility and the reactions of others undermines my self confidence and self esteem. So I can understand why so many withdraw and isolate themselves because these coherence issues are so damaging.

I think that pattern equates to a lot of people deemed abler or "milder" if indeed such a word applies to it.

But because we are being ignored by the scientists the input we could make is lost.

I take Louby's point about it being easier to try to blend in and avoid explaining the impossible.

But that's why suicide and depression is high amongst "able" aspies, and why so many don't stick at difficult work environments. Social coherence problems are very demoralising. The "I'm all right jack" professionals who are so dismissive of able aspergers fail to realise that even periodic loss of coherence and credibility is damaging.

I wish I could do something to change this perception of us amongst the scientists. But the problem is we really are the HIDDEN disability. Either it is so adverse that we are isolated, unemployed and lacking the means of representation. Or we are able, and not taken seriously, and its in our best interests to keep quiet about it and struggle on.

Very convenient for the professionals (and this shabby government). As we are unable to represent ourselves, one way or another, we can be conveniently disregarded.