Employment for Individuals With Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability: Stories and Strategies (Paperback)

by Yvona Fast (Author) "When I was 17, I took interest and ability tests designed to help decide what I should be when I grew up..." (more)
Key Phrases: workplace bullying, disability resources, vocational rehabilitation services, New York, Special Tees, Non-Verbal Learning Disability (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'Employment for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability is the best book I have read on AS/NLD and career issues. I also highly recommend it for the parents and other family members of people with AS/NLD, educators, vocational rehabilitation personnel, mental health professionals, employers, and even the general public. It is essential that more people learn about AS and NLD, and on how both disorders affect employment. Hopefully in the future, the prognosis for those with Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder in the workplace will be more positive. This book is the first step on that journey.' -Asperger's Association of New England Newsletter

Product Description
Most people with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD) or Asperger Syndrome (AS) are underemployed. With practical and technical advice on everything from job-hunting to interview techniques, from 'fitting in' in the workplace to whether or not to disclose a diagnosis, this book guides people with NLD or AS successfully through the employment field. There is information for employers, agencies, and careers counsellors, including an analysis of typical strengths, and how to use these positively in the workplace. Practical information and resource material is supported by numerous case studies to inspire and advise. This is an essential resource for people with NLD or AS seeking or in employment, and their employers.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 1 edition (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184310766X
• ISBN-13: 978-1843107668
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #254,895 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is for us all, March 14, 2004

By	Margaret Bassett (Maryville, TN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm an NT, called such by Aspies and NLDers. We are considered neurotypical. I suggest that all of us NT's would benefit by reading this book. In my case, I had a young friend who was having a difficult time going from high school to her first job. Yvona sheds light on page 211 of the book: "(employers) find it puzzling that some smart employees have trouble neatly stapling a bunch of papers together or mailing a letter." At the time, I wondered about such issues and, with a lot of luck and some internet searching, came up with a paper written by Susan Thompson. As I read her account, tears ran down my face. All the years I knew this girl I had thought she had some character flaw. Why else would she be so indifferent to what was obvious to me?
I subscribed to the YahooGroup called NLD-in-Common (see page 310). When I was accepted as a member I posted my customary hello. The first person to respond was Yvona. As time went on, I realized she always accepted new members. She was so giving of herself, telling of her personal job miseries. It was obvious to me that she was a talented writer. When I found she was writing this book, I could hardly wait for it to arrive.
The book tells so much. Finally, I am beginning to "get it." Those with various aspects of learning disabilities are described so vividly that we NT's can begin to get a grip on what makes some people "different," not retarded or lazy or unloving. Ambition, intelligence, honesty, tenacity--those words are more apt.
My little friend? She's employed, doing it her way. I'm hanging in there with her.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written Tremendous Resource, April 27, 2006

By	Joseph Bock - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a very organized employment guide for people with Asperger Syndrome or Non Verbal Learning Disability (AS/NLD) and their friends. It would also be an excellent resource for Vocational Rehabilitation professionals, enabling them to understand these often misunderstood neurological disorders.

After retiring at 63 years of age from a career as an Electronic Engineer I did some research on my lifelong weaknesses. I discovered I had a Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) and ran across this book. Having NLD meant that although I was very good at challenging and creative tasks I couldn't easily do things that most people take for granted like folding paper. As one person quoted in the book says, "I am generally quicker than others catching up with all sorts of knowledge and skills that require analytical understanding but I need much more time to get used to different telephones or copiers and to know where to find what."

I wish I had access to this kind of book when I was working. I read it eagerly from cover to cover.

The book, written by someone with NLD, covers the gamut and includes descriptions of what AS and NLD is, biographies of actual people with NLD and AS including what jobs worked for them at what didn't, and information for the AS/NLD person on how to plan a career, how to look for a job and how to function on the job.

Included are lists of resources including organizations and websites.

The book would also be useful for employers who could benefit from the strengths of AS/NLD people and would be willing to accommodate for their small weaknesses. As stated in the book: "Projects that allow the employee to use his/her creativity and problem-solving skills are best. Employers should value the individual's laser-like concentration ability and understand and respect these employees' work style."

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful and Insightful, January 28, 2006

By	Suz "treadingwater" (Britain) - See all my reviews

This book is very suitable for people with Asperger syndrome who are conducting their job search independently or semi-independently, and who are interested in finding a career, not just a job. The author herself has Non-Verbal Learning disorder, and a large part of the book is devoted to contributions from other people with Non-Verbal learning disorder or Asperger syndrome, describing their experiences of employment. The later chapters look in depth at the issues, and provide lots of information and advice on the application procedure and dealing with your employers. Interestingly, the author recommends non disclosure to employers, and instead suggests being honest about yourself and how you are without giving people labels. This is definitely a book for people who want to be taken seriously.