According to the National Autistic Association, Autism is an invisible disability, which affects the way people communicate and relate to the world around them. People with Autism often have difficulties with everyday social interaction and making sense of the world. Specifically, people with autism generally experience three main areas of difficulty:
In addition, many show repetitive behaviour patterns and resistance to change in routine. Some people with the condition have accompanying learning difficulties.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, and many traits are common (including the three main areas listed above). However, people with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism, and do not usually have the accompanying learning difficulties; in fact people with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence.
People with Asperger syndrome often develop special, almost obsessive, interest in a particular area. Usually their interest involves arranging or memorising facts and figures about a particular subject. People with Asperger syndrome often find change upsetting and prefer to order their day according to a set pattern. Any unexpected change to this pattern can make them anxious and upset.
These are the main features, but every person is an individual, and these characteristics will vary greatly and some may be demonstrated more strongly than others.
A growing number of employers have policies that encourage diversity in their workforce, and the Disability Discrimination Act aims to stop discrimination against people because of their disability. It is now illegal to treat someone with a disability less favourably than someone without, and the Act places a requirement on employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to remove any barriers you may encounter because of your disability.
This leaves you with the question of when and how to go about disclosing your disability (you don't have to disclose, but if you don't you can't claim the protection of the DDA). There's more advice about disclosing in the Resources section, but think about the possible implications of your condition for you, and focus on the positive things. A careers advisor can help you with this.
In the workplace, people with Asperger syndrome can offer a great deal - punctuality, reliability and dedication. It is important you identify your own strengths and weaknesses, perhaps with a Careers Adviser at your University, and think about what type of work matches your strengths and that you'd enjoy.
You might need to explain your condition and its implications to potential employers when you apply for a job. You can do this by providing a brief medical letter stating your diagnosis and giving a brief explanation of the ways it is likely to affect you.
Prospects is an employment consultancy service which works with the National Autistic Society to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome find work, and with employers to make sure they know everything they need to know about your condition from when you apply for a job onwards. You can find out about them by going to www.nas.org.uk.
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