Asperger's Syndrome may cause difficulties in finding a job or moving up in a company. With acceptance and perseverance, individuals with AS can have successful careers.
People with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high functioning autism, may have a more difficult time in the workplace than the average worker. While they may be some of the most highly intelligent and hard working individuals, it is sometimes hard for people with AS to establish themselves in today's working world.
Many people with Asperger's are extremely intelligent, if not experts in multiple subjects. They are often at the top of their class or have earned more than one degree in college. They are very exact to detail and have excellent memories. All these things look great on a resume, but they do not always come across so well in an interview.
Developing Interview Skills with Asperger's
Asperger's Syndrome affects the social development of a person. It is often hard for a person with Asperger's Syndrome to look people in the eye or make appropriate conversation. It can be very difficult for them to distinguish between sarcasm or regular speaking, and it is even more challenging to read any nonverbal cues given off by others. All these characteristics can make an individual feel uncomfortable in social situations, as well as make it extremely difficult when trying to land a job.Many people with Asperger's are extremely intelligent, if not experts in multiple subjects. They are often at the top of their class or have earned more than one degree in college. They are very exact to detail and have excellent memories. All these things look great on a resume, but they do not always come across so well in an interview.
People with AS often have a slight processing delay which affects the speed in which they respond or answer any questions. They might not say the right things or they may say too much not realizing that the other person was not looking for such an in depth answer or that they have lost interest.
Before an interview, those with Asperger's can review all possible questions and prepare themselves with an answer ahead of time. It can be helpful to have practice interviews with a friend or get some helpful feedback from another person. Eye contact can be a big problem, but it can be managed through an interview.
There are many jobs and career paths that may be a better fit to someone with Asperger's. Aspie's tend to choose jobs more in the technical field of work. These are the scientists, the computer programmers, lab technicians, website administrators, map makers, geologists, engineers, or those that are self employed in a business of their own.
People with Asperger's Syndrome have every right to equal treatment in the workplace. They cannot be discriminated against because of their differences. Although difficult, there are ways to work around any problems which may arise from having Asperger's. With continued hard work and possible help with social skills practicing, a person with AS can lead a highly successful life.
Before an interview, those with Asperger's can review all possible questions and prepare themselves with an answer ahead of time. It can be helpful to have practice interviews with a friend or get some helpful feedback from another person. Eye contact can be a big problem, but it can be managed through an interview.
Communicating Effectively at Work
Once landing a job, it is important to be able to adequately communicate with coworkers at work. Although it may be difficult for Aspies to interpret a coworker's body language or non verbal cues, they can be sure to ask questions for clarification when they don't understand. Many employees with Asperger's find that they can much more easily communicate through emails or memos since they do not have to figure out any hidden messages through a worker's tone of voice or facial expressions.The Decision to Tell Coworkers About Asperger's
It is a personal decision whether or not to tell an employer or fellow employees at work about Asperger's Syndrome. Some people come right out during a job interview that they have Asperger's and explain how they might see the world a little differently, but it will not affect their job skills. Some choose to keep it a secret fearing they might not be accepted equally. Asperger's Syndrome is a real medical condition which cannot be discriminated against according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Regardless of this, some still choose to keep open knowledge of their Asperger's hidden. It is only if problems arise at work that they may choose who and when to tell.Contributing to the Workplace
People with Asperger's Syndrome can contribute great things to their jobs and careers. They may not be able to express themselves verbally as well as others, but much credit can be given to their work. Some of the most brilliant minds have been people with Asperger's Syndrome. Their perfectionism can be a great strength to getting the job done right and allowing few mistakes.Establishing a Reputation for Leadership
While individuals with Asperger's Syndrome might be the best and brightest of their trade, it is often difficult for them to establish a reputation for being leaders. In much of today's world, where so much is given to how a person relates to one another, a person with Asperger's might not come across as a leader. The lack of eye contact and lack of self expression might not allow them seem like much of a leader. They may feel uncomfortable when given a team or group to oversee, not because of the inability to manage the job, but the awkwardness which comes from dealing with coworkers socially. With practice, workers with AS can find ways to better express themselves and come across with more leadership skills to others.Moving Up Within a Company
It is not appropriate to suggest people can move up in a company based on the way they suck up to the boss or management, but it is true that those who are noticed more are thought about more for promotions. In a fair world it would always be the best worker for the job, but today it doesn't always happen that way. While most people with Asperger's don't understand the need for small talk, it can be helpful to practice "water cooler conversations" with their coworkers so that they might be seen and heard beyond their work."Being Your Own Boss"
Some people with Asperger's discover the best way to work is to work for themselves. If they are their own boss, then they don't have to worry about the the misinterpretation of others or how people may react. They may easily start their own business and be quite successful.Moving On When Jobs Don't Work Out
Regardless of what job or career path those with Asperger's choose, it is important that they can move on if things don't work out. There is a strong need for routine in an Aspie's life. Sometimes the ending of a job can mean devastation to an Aspie's structured life. What will he or she do now? How can they handle such change? Where will they go?There are many jobs and career paths that may be a better fit to someone with Asperger's. Aspie's tend to choose jobs more in the technical field of work. These are the scientists, the computer programmers, lab technicians, website administrators, map makers, geologists, engineers, or those that are self employed in a business of their own.
People with Asperger's Syndrome have every right to equal treatment in the workplace. They cannot be discriminated against because of their differences. Although difficult, there are ways to work around any problems which may arise from having Asperger's. With continued hard work and possible help with social skills practicing, a person with AS can lead a highly successful life.
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