Customer Reviews

Asperger Syndrome and Employment: What People With Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the best books for and about adults with Asperger's that I have ever come across. This author truly gets it!

If you have Asperger's or work with somebody who does, then make this book your best friend. This along with Tony Attwood's stellar books about Asperger's are the keys to tolerance.

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is the sensori-neurobiological partner to autism. This gifted author gives good descriptions of "Aspie" behaviors and tendencies. Neurotypicals (NT) and people with AS alike will come away with a greater level of understanding and tolerance for people on the spectrum, and for those who are, for being on the spectrum. It is a real eye opener in how very challenging it is for people with AS to navigate social terrain and the large amount of effort that goes into getting through a work day.

This author provides invaluable information on helping people with AS find and secure employment. To make a good thing even better, I like the way coping strategies and sensory and language issues often impact on Aspies. This book is clear, logical and extremely well organized. For people with AS, it is just this logic and order that makes the information ready, accessible and applicable.

I would like to propose a toast to this author and add a deep and heartfelt thanks for this important book.

I purchased this book thinking it would provide advice on suitable careers for those with AS and where to start. There's a bit of that, but that's not the focus. The author clearly has considerable experience dealing with those on the AS spectrum, but most of this book is page after page of testimony given by people the author has interviewed. Examples are always useful in getting the point across, but I found them too numerous and they often rambled on and on. One other point, the author is British and the book is aimed at those living in the UK. Some of it still applies if you live elsewhere, but many of the support agencies and offices mentioned are unique to the UK.

This is exactly what I have wanted! The author reveals what Aspergians(people with Asperger Syndrome) want. 90% of the opinions of them in this book impact on me a great deal because it makes me realize how hard they struggle in order to survive at work or find their suitable jobs. Even today many Aspergians remain chronically unemployed or underachieved at work mainly because of social misfits they face. In this respect, I suppose the author meet the Aspergians' needs. Moreover, the author shows us how to get a suitable job as well as understandings of the reality Aspergians face. That's completely different from typical job hunting guides that really tire me a lot! Overall, I'm satisfied with her well-organized and practical approach to employment.

I know some Aspergians have never lost their jobs, but I believe this book is instructive even for them. And they might find some traits indicated there could apply to them. If they grasp what is written, they could realize what they hadn't before!

Sarah Hendrikx presents the results of interviews about jobs with people who have Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Although it contains general information about AS and advice for AS job-seekers, the book's primary purpose is to present the words and experiences of AS workers.

The first chapter reviews how AS impacts work "and everything." It outlines AS differences in social interaction, communication, flexibility, environmental sensitivity, and anxiety. Chapter two discusses aspects of work challenging to AS employees. Structuring the work environment in certain ways may ease stress for those with AS. One example of an unsuccessful employment experience is examined in depth from the perspectives of the employer, the employee, and the employee's mentor.

Chapter three recommends strategies for success. Many AS employees enjoy jobs that allow working alone, grant autonomy, have clearly-defined roles and responsibilities, pose intellectual challenges, and appeal to their personal interests in an important topic. The last four chapters build on this foundation by discussing early developmental experiences that shape work expectations, how to search for a job, and how to find and use good support services. Chapter seven summarizes the book's suggestions for AS employees and their employers.

The real strengths of the book are each chapter's brief narratives from AS workers. It is instructive to hear their views in their own language. Many AS readers will find parallels to their own experiences. Extended case studies describe two unique organizations. Aspire is a non-profit that connects AS individuals with volunteer mentors who help with work and life skills. Specialisterne is a Copenhagen-based company that employs primarily AS individuals. They provide contract IT services to their clients and maintain an AS-friendly workplace for their employees.

The book is highly recommended for readers who want to understand the challenges and opportunities for AS individuals on the job. Those looking for a more in-depth treatment of AS itself should read Tony Attwood's The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome.