AS Guide for Employers

Employers

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a mild form of autism that mostly affects interpersonal communication, the ability to organize information, and the skill to prioritize tasks. An Aspie may make blunt or inappropriate comments and have difficulty multitasking and seeing the big picture. They may be unusually distracted by smells, noise, or physical sensations. However, each individual is unique and does not share all of the traits of AS or experience them to the same degree.

While these individuals face a number of challenges, Aspergians also possess specific strengths that make them particularly well-suited to jobs requiring attention to detail and prolonged focus. Many have above-average intelligence and enter the workforce with advanced or multiple college degrees. Although represented in all types of jobs and careers, the fields of computer technology, writing, technical documentation, academic and scientific research, engineering, and academia make particularly good use of their logical and analytical skills.

Slowly, the business community is beginning to recognize that people with Asperger’s Syndrome bring talent, good work ethic, and valuable knowledge that make them major assets to any company that hires them, especially when they are in the right jobs and receive the needed supports. Generally, people with Asperger’s exhibit great attention to detail, motivation, focus, persistence, precision, and the ability follow instructions.

The strengths of individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome include (but are not limited to):

      • Attention to detail and sustained concentration.
        Benefits: ability to spot errors; accuracy; not distracted from the task at hand.
      • Excellent long-term memory.
        Benefits: recall facts and details others have forgotten.
      • Tolerance of repetition and routine.
        Benefits: perform the same tasks without getting bored or burned out.
      • Strong logical and analytic skills.
        Benefits: ability to see patterns/connections in data; objective view of the facts.
      • Vast knowledge of specialized fields.
        Benefits: develop in-depth knowledge and expertise.
      • Creative thinking.
        Benefits: different way of processing information can lead to novel solutions.
      • Perseverance.
        Benefits: stick with a job until it is done.
      • Honesty and loyalty.
        Benefits: not afraid to tell the truth; stay with an employer long-term.
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