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Asperger's on the Job: Must-Have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates
Up to 85% of the Asperger's population are without full-time employment, though many have above-average intelligence. Rudy Simone, an adult with Asperger's Syndrome and an accomplished author, consultant, and musician, created this insightful resource to help employers, educators, and therapists accommodate this growing population, and to help people with Asperger’s find and keep gainful employment. Rudy's candid advice is based on her personal experiences and the experiences of over fifty adults with Asperger's from all over the world, in addition to their employers and numerous experts in the field. Detailed lists provide balanced guidelines for success, while Rudy's "Interview Tips" and "Personal Job Map" tools will help Aspergians, young or old, find their employment niche. There is more to a job than what the tasks from social blunders, to sensory issues, to bullying by coworkers, Simone presents solutions to difficult challenges. Readers will be enriched, enlightened, and ready to work―together!
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
56 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Rudy Simone
19 books99 followersRudy Simone is an Aspergirl, writer, speaker and AS consultant. She is the author of 22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man with Asperger's Syndrome and Aspergirls. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 4, 2014
As someone with high-functioning autism who is hoping to transition into the workplace soon, I was hoping for a book which would give me some practical advice about working, particularly how to handle the social side of things.
In all honesty, the only thing this book does well is point out every single possible issue you will encounter in the workplace and how likely it is you will fail at integrating. There are a lot of quotes from people on the spectrum who are in the workplace and - barring only a few exceptions - they all spoke of bad experiences.
I understand that there is a need to point out the issues surrounding work but what Simone fails to do is provide solutions to this problem. The chapters are typically formatted to have a list at the end of the chapter, telling someone on the spectrum what they can do to overcome a particular issue. I found that many of the things she points out are highly obvious, such as "practice projecting confidence," and there was little to no solid advice about how to execute these tips.
I initially thought that, while this book didn't meet my level of functioning, I wouldn't rate it too harshly as it may meet the needs of someone who was lower on the spectrum than myself. However, I don't think I would even recommend this book to someone who would have more of a need for this book because some of the advice is ridiculous. For example, in one chapter Simone suggests that if you have light sensory issues and the lights at your workplace are too bright, you should wear a hat indoors. Unless you're working in a workplace where you've openly labelled yourself as being on the spectrum - and arguably even then - wearing a hat indoors is not going to do you any favours.
In all honesty, the only thing this book does well is point out every single possible issue you will encounter in the workplace and how likely it is you will fail at integrating. There are a lot of quotes from people on the spectrum who are in the workplace and - barring only a few exceptions - they all spoke of bad experiences.
I understand that there is a need to point out the issues surrounding work but what Simone fails to do is provide solutions to this problem. The chapters are typically formatted to have a list at the end of the chapter, telling someone on the spectrum what they can do to overcome a particular issue. I found that many of the things she points out are highly obvious, such as "practice projecting confidence," and there was little to no solid advice about how to execute these tips.
I initially thought that, while this book didn't meet my level of functioning, I wouldn't rate it too harshly as it may meet the needs of someone who was lower on the spectrum than myself. However, I don't think I would even recommend this book to someone who would have more of a need for this book because some of the advice is ridiculous. For example, in one chapter Simone suggests that if you have light sensory issues and the lights at your workplace are too bright, you should wear a hat indoors. Unless you're working in a workplace where you've openly labelled yourself as being on the spectrum - and arguably even then - wearing a hat indoors is not going to do you any favours.
November 1, 2016
I teach vocational skills to high school students on the spectrum and I bought this book to see if it would help me. It is well-written and concise. The author is herself on the spectrum.
Sadly, a very large percentage (well over 50%) of people diagnosed with Asperger's (which no longer exists as a diagnosis) or high functioning autism, no matter how intelligent, skilled, or even educated they are, are un- or significantly under-employed. Because people on the spectrum usually have significant difficulties with social interactions and reading social cues, it is hard for them to find jobs where they can survive socially. Office politics are even more of a nightmare for them than people who are neurotypical and all too often they can become bullied (including ostracism).
Add to this the fact that many people on the autism spectrum also have sensory issues (for example, problems with noise-visual as well as auditory), there is plenty of reason many of them cannot find jobs that will allow them to use their skills and intelligence effectively.
This book is written both for employers who are interested in supporting an employee with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) as well as for people who are themselves on the spectrum and are looking for an appropriate job, one that draws on their strengths as well as minimizes their difficulties. Simone has suggestions as to how the employee can advocate for him/herself, how to function more effectively in a work environment, whether or not to disclose s/he is on the spectrum, how to behave successfully in a job interview, and many other subjects.
I found the book easy to read and full of suggestions that I thought would be helpful to my students. I'm not sure I believe there are a lot of employers out there looking to support workers on the spectrum but it would be nice to think so. In the mean time, this was a brief but useful guide for those with autism to find success in the job world.
Sadly, a very large percentage (well over 50%) of people diagnosed with Asperger's (which no longer exists as a diagnosis) or high functioning autism, no matter how intelligent, skilled, or even educated they are, are un- or significantly under-employed. Because people on the spectrum usually have significant difficulties with social interactions and reading social cues, it is hard for them to find jobs where they can survive socially. Office politics are even more of a nightmare for them than people who are neurotypical and all too often they can become bullied (including ostracism).
Add to this the fact that many people on the autism spectrum also have sensory issues (for example, problems with noise-visual as well as auditory), there is plenty of reason many of them cannot find jobs that will allow them to use their skills and intelligence effectively.
This book is written both for employers who are interested in supporting an employee with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) as well as for people who are themselves on the spectrum and are looking for an appropriate job, one that draws on their strengths as well as minimizes their difficulties. Simone has suggestions as to how the employee can advocate for him/herself, how to function more effectively in a work environment, whether or not to disclose s/he is on the spectrum, how to behave successfully in a job interview, and many other subjects.
I found the book easy to read and full of suggestions that I thought would be helpful to my students. I'm not sure I believe there are a lot of employers out there looking to support workers on the spectrum but it would be nice to think so. In the mean time, this was a brief but useful guide for those with autism to find success in the job world.
March 26, 2013
While the overall tone is often negative, citing how someone on the spectrum may fail, it's important to note these difficulties and that they will at times be very difficult to overcome.
I turned to this book after being fired, not due to any technical failings, but due to other workers actively going out of their way to tell HR that they thought I seemed unpleasant in the hall and such. While that was out of my control, other factors had also been causing me stress, giving me migraines, and I didn't know why.
With two brothers diagnosed as on-spectrum, this seemed a good place to start, and while some of these issues may seem obvious to some people, especially those that are diagnosed and have done more extensive research, this was a great help in showing me which issues I had, what the problem was, and suggesting ways I or my manager could help overcome those hurdles.
I'm employed again, but this book helped a lot in my search for a new employer, and has helped me with avoiding many of the issues that plagued me before, before they become a problem. I know what types of workplace I need to absolutely avoid, and what places I can adapt to on my own.
I turned to this book after being fired, not due to any technical failings, but due to other workers actively going out of their way to tell HR that they thought I seemed unpleasant in the hall and such. While that was out of my control, other factors had also been causing me stress, giving me migraines, and I didn't know why.
With two brothers diagnosed as on-spectrum, this seemed a good place to start, and while some of these issues may seem obvious to some people, especially those that are diagnosed and have done more extensive research, this was a great help in showing me which issues I had, what the problem was, and suggesting ways I or my manager could help overcome those hurdles.
I'm employed again, but this book helped a lot in my search for a new employer, and has helped me with avoiding many of the issues that plagued me before, before they become a problem. I know what types of workplace I need to absolutely avoid, and what places I can adapt to on my own.
March 12, 2012
This book has some useful tips, but it is very negative. Most of the asperger contributors had not had good work experiences. It would have been nice to have some positive outcomes instead of all negative outcomes. I was reading this book to help my son. I got very discouraged reading and had to quit. I am sure my son will have some tough times because of his asperger's but i hope is outcome will be better than the people in this book.
April 15, 2016
Aspergers on the Job is a well structured easy going handbook that outlines typical employment issues for persons with Asperger's.
The chapters are very short and quick to read, and all consistently end in a 3-part recommendations section: 'What the employee can do', 'To employers and advocates', and 'Questions' (for reflection). Simone takes a well balanced, common sense approach (just like in 'Aspergirls'), where she encourages the players (employees, employers and other stake holders) to take each others' views with illustrative examples and recommendations.
The set-up of the book project is a good idea too (a bit like Aspergirls too) - 50 adults with Asperger's were interviewed for the book, and are quoted in all the chapters to exemplify the issues raised.
The foreword by Temple Grandin is excellent.
The book's strength is IMO that it is such a handy, well structured overview and quick read with very accessible insights.
Its main weakness is the recommendations. I was hoping to find actionable solutions I hadn't thought of myself, and while some of the recommendations were useful (e.g. the anti-bullying/anti-gossip strategies), most were either obvious common sense-like, or too naive for real workplaces.
Another weakness is the annoyingly non-scientific personal beliefs promoted here and there - such as the 'leaky gut syndrome', and the crusade against 'chemicals'. Which I suppose refers to all human-created harmful toxics in the environment, none of which have any proven causative link with autism or direct relevance for employment, so I think such 'crusading' is misplaced in a practical handbook.
Another downside is the ridiculous superman cover :-) but that is not important.
To sum up, I think the book is a great 'executive summary' type handbook, perhaps best for employers to give a quick, easy accessible introduction to the issues faced by & with Aspie employees, but less for employees and job seekers looking for practical solutions, and those already familiar with the issues raised in the book.
The chapters are very short and quick to read, and all consistently end in a 3-part recommendations section: 'What the employee can do', 'To employers and advocates', and 'Questions' (for reflection). Simone takes a well balanced, common sense approach (just like in 'Aspergirls'), where she encourages the players (employees, employers and other stake holders) to take each others' views with illustrative examples and recommendations.
The set-up of the book project is a good idea too (a bit like Aspergirls too) - 50 adults with Asperger's were interviewed for the book, and are quoted in all the chapters to exemplify the issues raised.
The foreword by Temple Grandin is excellent.
The book's strength is IMO that it is such a handy, well structured overview and quick read with very accessible insights.
Its main weakness is the recommendations. I was hoping to find actionable solutions I hadn't thought of myself, and while some of the recommendations were useful (e.g. the anti-bullying/anti-gossip strategies), most were either obvious common sense-like, or too naive for real workplaces.
Another weakness is the annoyingly non-scientific personal beliefs promoted here and there - such as the 'leaky gut syndrome', and the crusade against 'chemicals'. Which I suppose refers to all human-created harmful toxics in the environment, none of which have any proven causative link with autism or direct relevance for employment, so I think such 'crusading' is misplaced in a practical handbook.
Another downside is the ridiculous superman cover :-) but that is not important.
To sum up, I think the book is a great 'executive summary' type handbook, perhaps best for employers to give a quick, easy accessible introduction to the issues faced by & with Aspie employees, but less for employees and job seekers looking for practical solutions, and those already familiar with the issues raised in the book.
October 21, 2012
This is another great book by Rudy Simone which I would highly recommend to anyone with Asperger’s, as well as to those who are teaching, supporting, or supervising someone with AS. The book is laid out in a fashion similar to that of Aspergirls (which I loved!), with each chapter having a discussion of the topic followed by suggestions for the person with AS and for those around them. While disclosure of Asperger’s may be desired or necessary at times, Simone leaves that decision up to the reader and offers advice that can easily work for those who wish to keep that information private.
In addition to practical topics and useful ideas to make a workplace more conducive to the needs of a person with Asperger’s, Simone also tackles difficult situations such as workplace gossip and bullying that make it unbearable, and even unsafe, to remain in a job, as well as issues such as handling an interview and the use of personality tests in the hiring process that make it tricky to even get a job in the first place.
Ultimately, her goal is to assist both employees with Asperger’s and their employers to work together for both of their benefit. After all, who wants to feel like they have to look for a new job, or be forced to take the time to find a new employee? As Simone puts it, “Employers should not lose a valuable employee over things that can be fixed. Nor should a person with AS leave a job they love for the wrong reason.”
In addition to practical topics and useful ideas to make a workplace more conducive to the needs of a person with Asperger’s, Simone also tackles difficult situations such as workplace gossip and bullying that make it unbearable, and even unsafe, to remain in a job, as well as issues such as handling an interview and the use of personality tests in the hiring process that make it tricky to even get a job in the first place.
Ultimately, her goal is to assist both employees with Asperger’s and their employers to work together for both of their benefit. After all, who wants to feel like they have to look for a new job, or be forced to take the time to find a new employee? As Simone puts it, “Employers should not lose a valuable employee over things that can be fixed. Nor should a person with AS leave a job they love for the wrong reason.”
March 4, 2013
This book is awful. Doesn't give hope for success, and honestly, the ideas presented seemed unreasonable. There are far better books out there. Don't bother with this one.
May 22, 2018
I had to read parts of this for a research project on which I'm working, but I thought it was funny and incredibly interesting, so I read the whole thing. Simone provides tips and relevant information about employment both for people with Asperger's and also their current or potential employers and advocates, which makes this a worthwhile read for just about anyone. I think what initially attracted me to the book was the table of contents: I cracked up when I saw a chapter titled "Polyester Prisons, Neck-Tie Nooses, and High-Heeled Hell." I feel that way about business attire! I can relate! Simone is direct, concise, helpful, and a bit funny.
There were many chapters that really struck a chord with me. While I don't believe I have diagnosable Asperger's Syndrome, I could relate to many of the traits and characteristics of the target audience of this book. That's neurodiversity for you; we are all presenting a spectrum of qualities. For someone actually on the labeled spectrum, there are ways to advocate for accommodations to your work environment to help you be successful (you are protected by ADA) and a lot of it can start with presenting your employer with this book or disclosing your diagnosis. One can research AS or ASD to have a better understanding of your needs and preferences. I wished, while reading this, that I could do the same. I wished that I could be understood better, too. It was uncanny to how much of this I was nodding my head and saying, "Yes! I feel just like that!" Again, I do not have AS.
Much of this book points out just how awesome a person with AS can be to your company, which I loved, and Simone provides much guidance to people with AS in choosing the right job in the first place as well as how to keep it. I highly recommend to both people with AS and their employers, but there was also enough in here about advocacy at work that it is a worthwhile read for anyone. Did you know that offices with open floor plans lead to all kinds of problems for employees such as loss of identity, low work productivity, health issues and low job satisfaction? (p. 42). Our District Office just remodeled their offices to this type of no-privacy space... Hmmm... looks like our admins could learn a thing or two from this book, too. :) Great community resource!
There were many chapters that really struck a chord with me. While I don't believe I have diagnosable Asperger's Syndrome, I could relate to many of the traits and characteristics of the target audience of this book. That's neurodiversity for you; we are all presenting a spectrum of qualities. For someone actually on the labeled spectrum, there are ways to advocate for accommodations to your work environment to help you be successful (you are protected by ADA) and a lot of it can start with presenting your employer with this book or disclosing your diagnosis. One can research AS or ASD to have a better understanding of your needs and preferences. I wished, while reading this, that I could do the same. I wished that I could be understood better, too. It was uncanny to how much of this I was nodding my head and saying, "Yes! I feel just like that!" Again, I do not have AS.
Much of this book points out just how awesome a person with AS can be to your company, which I loved, and Simone provides much guidance to people with AS in choosing the right job in the first place as well as how to keep it. I highly recommend to both people with AS and their employers, but there was also enough in here about advocacy at work that it is a worthwhile read for anyone. Did you know that offices with open floor plans lead to all kinds of problems for employees such as loss of identity, low work productivity, health issues and low job satisfaction? (p. 42). Our District Office just remodeled their offices to this type of no-privacy space... Hmmm... looks like our admins could learn a thing or two from this book, too. :) Great community resource!
April 9, 2023
terrible, disheartening book... i mean i guess it was interesting to see how the solution offered in guides for autistic people until very recently was to just tell them to diminish themselves & then proceed to highlight their value as labourers & the ways they can be taken advantage of by the powers that be but good god...
September 9, 2014
I brought this home from the library hoping my husband would read it (he didn't!), but I read and enjoyed it. A lot of the workplace situations didn't apply to me as I work from home and can't hold a regular job, but it did go a long way toward explaining why I have never been able to be successfully employed in a traditional situation.
To someone with aspergers who is struggling with employment, or who is looking to make their workplace more aspie friendly - this would be a great place to start.
To someone with aspergers who is struggling with employment, or who is looking to make their workplace more aspie friendly - this would be a great place to start.
November 20, 2020
While a little old and american-centric this book was a great resource. It goes through a lot of common struggles aspergers people can experience in the workforce, and not only gives constructive and useable courses of action for the employee, but also for an employer with an AS worker. Very useful to me personally in understanding all the contributing factors that make my condition as complex as it is.
August 25, 2024
I see three sides to this book. The first is about the experience of being an autistic employee and trying to face and overcome the challenges of the workplace. While I think there were many overgeneralizations in this part of the book and I did not find the advice to be practical or helpful most of the time, I still appreciated being seen and learning that my challenges are real and can be put into a context where they make sense.
The second side to the book is about how employers can support autistic employees. Honestly, I can't imagine any boss during this time of profits-over-people would take the time to actually read a BOOK in order to learn how to better manage their autistic employee, but if those people are out there, I think they will find some useful information and perspective here.
The third side to the book was my favorite: the personal career map advice at the end. I wish I had done this activity and thought about my career in this way before I went to college... but I didn't know I was autistic before I went to college, so it's all wishful thinking. The job map starts with listing your areas of obsessive interest, then breaking the area down into three components: teaching, practicing, and studying. Within each of the three components, it encourages you to list "best things about," triggers, and solutions. By laying out all the practical considerations and possibilities, the book encourages you to synthesize the relevant information into a useful conclusion about the best career path for you. An enlightening exercise.
The second side to the book is about how employers can support autistic employees. Honestly, I can't imagine any boss during this time of profits-over-people would take the time to actually read a BOOK in order to learn how to better manage their autistic employee, but if those people are out there, I think they will find some useful information and perspective here.
The third side to the book was my favorite: the personal career map advice at the end. I wish I had done this activity and thought about my career in this way before I went to college... but I didn't know I was autistic before I went to college, so it's all wishful thinking. The job map starts with listing your areas of obsessive interest, then breaking the area down into three components: teaching, practicing, and studying. Within each of the three components, it encourages you to list "best things about," triggers, and solutions. By laying out all the practical considerations and possibilities, the book encourages you to synthesize the relevant information into a useful conclusion about the best career path for you. An enlightening exercise.
gave-up-on
October 25, 2019The book pretty much seems to go on about him being self employed and how awesome it is for Aspies to be self-employed. Um. Thanks?
October 29, 2022
This book was a revelation for me. I'm almost 50, and have never had to seriously consider that I was anything beyond 'quirky', 'geeky' and 'introverted'. But now I work for a company where I am often told all about the things that are 'wrong' with me: too direct, too intense, sees things as black and white, body language, asks inappropriate questions. When I think I am showing up authentically, at a company that purports to value that, there's usually gonna be some follow-up about the fact that one or more aspects of 'how' I showed up was wrong.
This book brought these things and others (I hate strong smells, loud noises, small talk) into a single picture called Asperger's. And while I've read about Asperger's and autism before, I never thought it was me, because I had managed to get a Ph.D., and had been (somewhat) successful in the working environment (thank you, masking). But seeing all of these things together, and realizing that I've been told I'm too blunt/direct/abrasive MANY times before in a variety of jobs, has prompted me to consider that there are many others like me, all of whom may face similar struggles at work.
If any of this sounds like you, I highly recommend this book.
This book brought these things and others (I hate strong smells, loud noises, small talk) into a single picture called Asperger's. And while I've read about Asperger's and autism before, I never thought it was me, because I had managed to get a Ph.D., and had been (somewhat) successful in the working environment (thank you, masking). But seeing all of these things together, and realizing that I've been told I'm too blunt/direct/abrasive MANY times before in a variety of jobs, has prompted me to consider that there are many others like me, all of whom may face similar struggles at work.
If any of this sounds like you, I highly recommend this book.
March 17, 2022
Dated, better suited for an early job hunter who already has or suspects a diagnosis, an employer or manager trying to get a very baseline understanding of ASD, or to help brainstorm potential accommodations. Lots of "try to be more flexible" vs. "try to be understanding" and "this may be expensive but it's totally worth it." Simone does mention that people with ASD are typically underemployed or unemployed, but doesn't really spend much time acknowledging the natural lack of income that results from that. It appears she assumes that they already have financial or emotional support in their lives. The other thing that irritated me is that it felt she leaned pretty hard into autistic traits being superpowers that employers should invest in or suggesting that most autistics are savants who are looking for their trade. That's an unhealthy expectation. For all of the reviews saying that the quoted commentary is "too negative" - I actually appreciated the real talk. It mirrored my own experiences and could help someone looking for their first job manage their expectations. (Again, job market is VASTLY different now, so ymmv.)
June 2, 2022
A soul-crushing and demoralizing book that brought back a lot of painful memories of my life pre-diagnosis. It's not lying to you about the harsh realities of the workplace, it's pretty spot on. Unfortunately, it doesn't share anything you can and should use to make things better for yourself. The suggestions are impractical and if you use some of them (e.g., asking for a separate office with a view to help ease your sensory difficulties), you're likely to make your situation at work even worse. If you're an employer, it might help you understand your employee with AS a little better, but beyond that, nothing.
December 30, 2013
Asperger's On The Job is an easy-to-read handbook. It's mostly built on common sense, but draws from the experience of the 50 people interview for the book.
I thought that it offered helpful illustrations and recommendations to people on the Autism spectrum who are looking for work as well as recommendations for the employers and advocates who work with this population.
I will definitely be incorporating the job map at the end of the book into my work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
I thought that it offered helpful illustrations and recommendations to people on the Autism spectrum who are looking for work as well as recommendations for the employers and advocates who work with this population.
I will definitely be incorporating the job map at the end of the book into my work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
January 19, 2016
Very good book, as the title says. Written by someone with Asperger's/High Functioning Autism.
I wish I'd known earlier that I am an Aspie, and I wish I'd had this book before I started working. A lot of advice about what kinds of jobs to look for, how to interact with coworkers, etc. I think this should be required reading for anyone who is going to be a boss or manager.
Ever notice that books written by Aspies have very long, descriptive titles? Just sayin'...
I wish I'd known earlier that I am an Aspie, and I wish I'd had this book before I started working. A lot of advice about what kinds of jobs to look for, how to interact with coworkers, etc. I think this should be required reading for anyone who is going to be a boss or manager.
Ever notice that books written by Aspies have very long, descriptive titles? Just sayin'...
March 31, 2013
Excellent. Practical, to the point, honest, well-balanced. I would have given it five stars but I wanted more, and the cover is pretty ridiculous :P But I think it'd be a good resource to have on the shelf.
December 4, 2010
Solid advice and explanations for both people on the autism spectrum and their prospective employers and coworkers about how to survive on the job.
January 2, 2012
A little simplistic, but it did give me some insight into what Asperger folks go through and think about working. I liked it.
January 11, 2012
Interesting and useful both for an AS employee and their employer. Some good food for thought.
December 15, 2017
Tips & tools voor mensen met Asperger, collega's en werkgevers. Zeer interessant boek en goede richtlijnen.
February 19, 2014
wish this was a book for those folks who work with folks with aspergers, and not a book for those with it.
October 30, 2015
One thing I appreciated about this book were the quotes from people on the discussed subject. It made the book feel more relatable.
I like the cover!
I like the cover!
August 5, 2016
Easy to read. Well organised. Covered most (if not all) potential issues that might happen in the workplace. Wish there were more active strategies rather than reactive ones.
May 25, 2022
This book was a huge help to me. As a person on the specturm it helped me be more open minded about how my employer may see things. It also has tips for key workers and employers to be more understanding for a person on the spectum. Without this book I fear I would already be unemployed yet again. I wish I had found this book years ago.
It is also a book I have shared with my autism key worker and job coach so they can even better help other clients (if thats even possible as they are amazing as it is)
I would encourage anyone on the spectrum and any potential employer to read this book. It has great insights into how our minds work. How we may see a situation, and outline why we may react in the way in which we do. This helps us both the ASD employee and the employer to see things from each others point of view.
It even goes into how to handle small talk, and other workplace things that might pop up outside of the actual task of the job itself.
In paticular I benifited from the section that helped how to disclose ASD to my employer without making it sound like it was a bad thing and how to add a postive spin on it.
It is definatly on my re read list!
It is also a book I have shared with my autism key worker and job coach so they can even better help other clients (if thats even possible as they are amazing as it is)
I would encourage anyone on the spectrum and any potential employer to read this book. It has great insights into how our minds work. How we may see a situation, and outline why we may react in the way in which we do. This helps us both the ASD employee and the employer to see things from each others point of view.
It even goes into how to handle small talk, and other workplace things that might pop up outside of the actual task of the job itself.
In paticular I benifited from the section that helped how to disclose ASD to my employer without making it sound like it was a bad thing and how to add a postive spin on it.
It is definatly on my re read list!
March 17, 2023
As others have pointed out, this book paints a very negative picture of working life for people with autism, and although it promises to offer solutions, a lot of the proposed solutions are either very obvious ("Find comfortable work clothes if you are sensitive to certain clothes!") or of questionable practicality. A lot of the terminology is out of date - not only the term Asperger's itself, but also the author's use of phrases like "high-functioning" and "low-functioning" or (even worse) "mentally r----ded". While the author can be forgiven for using the term Asperger's, given that it was still in use at the time of publication (and she acknowledges the controversy in the book), the use of the R-word wasn't particularly appropriate even a decade ago.
Lastly, I take issue with the author's criticisms of medications to treat mental health disorders associated with autism, as her criticisms are supported only by anecdote and not science. Her blanket condemnation of these medications has the potential to harm people who might otherwise try, and benefit from, psychiatric medications.
Lastly, I take issue with the author's criticisms of medications to treat mental health disorders associated with autism, as her criticisms are supported only by anecdote and not science. Her blanket condemnation of these medications has the potential to harm people who might otherwise try, and benefit from, psychiatric medications.
June 20, 2021
This book doesn't talk much about masking, which I would have been more interested in, it's more focused on blatant issues that could come up in the workplace for ASD individuals. I learned a few things but otherwise there was not much new here for me. It also suffers from some of the same issues of Simone's book Aspergirls, e.g. things like questionable diet suggestions for autism.
November 5, 2019
Well, that is resourceful. It has tips, as well as clips of what other people with Asperger's syndrome experienced. It pointed out the flaws people on the spectrum experience, but debunks the negativity of these traits.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews