Below is some info on Asperger’s, what it is or how to recognise it, together with some career suggestions. Sources are as noted.
Career Suggestions for Mathematicians or Musicians:
Accounting Computer programming Engineering Journalist, copy editor Taxi driver Piano (or other musical instrument) tuner Filing positions Statistician Physician Mathematician Bank teller Telemarketing
The social and emotional cues – the intonation of speech and facial expressions – that most people decode instinctively in their daily interactions remain a mystery to people with Asperger’s Syndrome. So while many may have high IQs and be technically and logically extremely proficient, they lack the ability to relate to other people. To the outside world they appear to be geeks, nerds, self-centered or obsessive.
“We come across people who fail to get promotion at work because they lack the social skills,” says Dr Simon Baron-Cohen, co-director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University. “Those with Asperger’s Syndrome find it hard to have a casual chat over a cup of coffee. Some may also lack the people skills for management; they tend to be perfectionists who are so focused on the details that they don’t make mistakes and they find it hard to accept human error in others.”
Source: www.aspergerfoundation.org.uk/infosheets/a_careers.pdf
Asperger’s Syndrome is a mild form of autism that affects a person’s ability to interact with others and to organize information. Many of the skills needed for effective social interaction are not learned intuitively by these individuals. They often have trouble quickly interpreting situational context, and thus knowing how to respond to events appropriately. Difficulty interpreting nonverbal communication, such as body language and tone of voice, can lead to can lead to serious, sometimes comical, misunderstandings. “How come you’re not using the new scheduling software?” asks Kevin’s manager, “I told you to take a look at it two weeks ago.” “I did look at it,” replies Kevin, “and didn’t think it was useful so I deleted it off my system.”
People with Asperger’s Syndrome are literal, concrete thinkers who focus on details rather than the big picture. Many find it challenging to plan projects, establish priorities and multitask. Some are unusually distracted by sights, sounds, odors and other sensory stimuli.
Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome vary widely in their abilities, challenges, and need of support. Some appear awkward in their interactions with others, forgetting to make eye contact or to smile, or talking too loudly, softly or quickly. Others are charming and talkative, but may ask too many questions, or alienate others with quirky behavior or unintentional social gaffes.
Source: http://ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/73470/_PARENT/layout_details_cc/false
benefits: http://www.yourlittleprofessor.com/the-benefits-of-aspergers-syndrome/
Asperger’s Occupations: Embarking on a Successful Career
How to Assess Strengths and Weaknesses for Asperger’s Occupations
People with Asperger’s generally have certain strengths and weaknesses that should be considered when searching for employment. Their positive characteristics include the following:
- Perfectionist
- Find it easy to spot errors
- Many have good technical skills and understanding
- Clear ideas about what is right and wrong, and very honest
- Logical thought patterns
- Work best within routines
Negative characteristics of an Asperger’s person may include:
- Poor short term memory skills
- Lack of teamwork
- Inability to cope with changes to routine
- Weak communication skills
- Find it hard to accept criticism
Type of Occupations that Suit a Person with Asperger’s
Even when hampered by weaknesses, there are still a large number of suitable Asperger’s occupations for people of all ages. Here is a brief list of jobs that may be appealing:
- Technical jobs and trades often work well with Asperger’s people as they have minds that understand the concepts behind mechanics, engineering or electrical work.
- Computers are another area where many people with Asperger’s excel.
- Men may enjoy building maintenance and both sexes might enjoy working with animals or as a journalist or photographer.
- Accounting work is a possibility
- Stores and filing jobs are suited to Asperger’s people as they will remember where everything is and be able to keep track of stock as it comes and goes
- Those with poor verbal skills may enjoy working in a library and sorting books
- Freelance work in many fields is an option but the person may need supervision to keep them focused.
How an Asperger’s Person can be a Success at Work
Because of the limitations imposed by Asperger’s syndrome, people with the condition often find it more difficult to find and keep a job than a neurotypical person with the same qualifications. There are a number of things that can be done to overcome these issues and ensure the Asperger’s person has a fair chance in the work place:
- When training a person with Asperger’s it is often better for them to work with one person as opposed to sitting in a classroom type setting. This can be requested if circumstances will allow.
- Many Asperger’s people prefer to work alone and providing them with a private work space can bring out the best in them.
- If the Asperger’s person is looking for a first job or deciding on a career, practical work experience can be invaluable. By spending a day or two in various offices or workshops, they can gain an understanding of what the job requires and see if the working conditions would suit them.
- A person with Asperger’s often has a special interest and if this can be incorporated into an occupation, they will normally be brilliant at what they do.
- Jobs with routine are often best.
Source: http://www.healthguideinfo.com/aspergers-syndrome/p110668/