Sunday, May 22, 2011

Asperger's Advantages in the Workplace

"Chances are, you’re working with someone who has Asperger’s syndrome.” – Barbara Bissonnette, The Employer’s Guide To Asperger’s Syndrome

Here are some of the qualities an employee with Asperger's brings to your workplace:

Logical thinking
Originality in problem-solving


Attention to detail


Technical ability


Accuracy


Tolerance of repetition and routine


Honesty



Loyalty

Reliability

Persistence

Conscientious

Knowledgeable

 Integrity

and much more.


It’s true – you may have an Aspie working for you, without even knowing it!

And if you don’t, what are you waiting for? Hire an Aspie today. It may be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Additional source: Tony Attwood, The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, p. 295

17 comments:

  1. I love this. Jonathan Mooney has a great story about a company in Iceland or Sweden or one of those icy countries that hired all employees with Asperger's. If I had to guess, I would imagine that it was a really efficiently run company.

    I hope your job search is coming along okay.

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  2. Thanks Stimey - I heard about that place too, but don't know if I'd want to work there - you need a few NT's at least!

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  3. Yup...I have all these traits, aside from technical knowledge and tolerance of repetition. (It's weird. I tolerate repetition when I'm deciding how much to do, but not when someone else is telling me.) I wish I could find some job where things like originality in problem solving was desirable. In most entry-level jobs, the distinct vibe I've gotten has been something like, "Shut up! Don't ask any questions!" You know, very stifling of any creative or analytical thought. My personal quandry is that the "traditional aspie fields", like engineering or technology, won't work for me as someone with no mathematical or "how things work" skills. I could go on about this quandry for a while, so I'll spare you :)

    I wish you a lot of luck with your job situation!

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  4. I'm guessing the company is the Danish company Specialisterne. They are a Software Testing house.

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  5. Thank you, Ily - I understand what you mean about repetition and self-motivation. Actually, I don't feel at home in engineering or technology either, but I've found analytical skills come in handy when I least expect it.

    Julian, I think you are right, that is the one.

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  6. I seem to have most of these traits too. This is a really well written/drawn post.

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  7. Yes I do all those things but they wnt me to also be little mary sunshine when talking to people when I am focused and in the middle of doing what the customer wants and I can't and they want what I can do an what I can't do. They are never satisfied.Great article-love your cartoons!

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  8. Thanks, C.R. - and I think mixing focus with friendliness is an acquired skill for many of us.

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  9. Same here. It's been amazing to find out about all this after so many years.

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  10. Hello
    I am an Aspie as well. It is great ti find out about this. I think it'll help out with my career choices.

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  11. Thanks Seshathotep and SilverFang, I'm glad you found it helpful.

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  12. Love the comics and linked to them on my blog. Aspiritech is in the US (Chicago) and is trying to duplicate Specialisterne's success.

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  13. I really want to use this as a cover letter for my resume... not sure how that would go over though...!

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  14. I really liked this. Will link to my website & blog. I've often gotten into trouble for being 'too honest'.

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  15. I must say I love your blog, I often link this page when someone doesn't understand Asperger's syndrome. You make it so easy to get for those who are not familiar with the more clinical topic. Technically you make my life easier for explaning it so damn good!

    And I must say, your cartoons are awesome! :D

    PS. My URL is in Swedish, so don't bother.

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  16. Thank you, Fanny - I am glad you find it so helpful. LOL at "don't bother" - of course I clicked anyway! You have very nice photos even for those of us who don't speak Swedish.

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