ASPERGER'S ON THE JOB (Rudy Simone)

Did you know that 1% of our population is considered to be on the autism spectrum (CDC 2009), compared to 1 in 10,000 just 20 years ago?  That being said, Simone's wonderful book should be required reading for all employers as well as for any adult with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism.  As someone very familiar with the frustrations and anxiety suffered on a daily basis by those with Asperger's, I was especially impressed with Simone's practical, well-organized approach to dealing with the day-to-day issues that stand in the way of fulfilling, successful full-time employment for 85% of those diagnosed.  In general, Aspergians are highly intelligent, focused, and tenacious.  They count many very successful people among their ranks (although we can only speculate about some, since the syndrome was not identified and accepted as a valid diagnosis until 1994), including Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Sir Isaac Newton, and Dan Ackroyd.  However, anxiety, social awkwardness, an inability to read faces and react to emotional and social cues, sensitivity to environmental factors, and a lack of tolerance for "small talk" make getting hired and staying employed a tenuous experience for those on the autism spectrum.

As an adult with AS herself, Ms. Simone knows firsthand that education and understanding are the key to successfully integrating individuals with AS into the workplace.  Her advice to potential employers and employees is based on both personal experience and interviews with more 50 adults diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome who have, for the most part, encountered serious problems in the education and employment arenas.  Chapters cover every conceivable obstacle with real-life, realistic (no sugar-coating or happily-ever-after here) observations about coping with interviews, coworkers, and expectations in the workplace. She also includes a personal job map and a useful list of resources.  If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Asperger's, or if you work with anyone on the autism spectrum (and chances are this WILL happen), read this book.  Simone offers tremendous insight into the day-to-day lives of those suffering from Asperger's.  We can all benefit from understanding that not everyone fits into the same mold.  It's really not unreasonable to consider making square holes for the square pegs instead of trying to force everyone into the round ones!  It might even result in a better, more productive workplace and world.