As an employer you may not realise that some people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) including those with Asperger Syndrome can be highly skilled and qualified, and so may be extremely employable.
Many individuals with an ASD have above average strengths in one or more of the following areas:
- high levels of concentration
- reliability, punctuality, conscientiousness and persistence
- accuracy, a close attention to detail and ability to spot errors
- technical ability - especially in IT skills
- detailed factual knowledge and an excellent memory.
Specialisterne is a Danish based software testing company who have just set up a branch in Scotland. They are unique in that they only employ people with Aspergers Syndrome and autism! Read an article from the Independant (12th Oct 2009) here
The areas that people with an ASD can find difficult include social communication, social interaction and social imagination (flexibility and thinking) However, by providing basic autism awareness training and information to colleagues and making a few small adaptations such as creating a precise routine and giving clear instructions or providing a mentor who can be the first point of contact if the individual encounters any problems or confusion, (which would all be considered as being 'reasonable adjustments' under the Disability Discrimination Act) the workplace can be made a successful environment.
For further information and some tips and guidance about employing or working with an individual with an ASD see the main National Autistic Society website
Pages include:
Tips for interviewing people with autistic spectrum disorders
Why employ someone with an autistic spectrum disorder?
The Undicovered Workforce - for jobseekers
Recruiting Someone with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (pdf)
Managing someone with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (pdf)
What is an ASD? A useful fact sheet for those who work with an individual who has an ASD (pdf)
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