TheNeil

Evade

Type

In

Keys

Memory

Driving

A GP who actually works more than 10 minutes a year A car that runs in water and doesn't need filling up (especially on the one morning that I'm running late) A device that warns when the likes of Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden, John McCrirrick and other Z-list 'celebs' are about to appear on TV (possibly replacing them with some nice calming music and a picture of a kitten playing with a ball of wool) Inspector Gadget style 'extendable arms' £2,000,000 Some new programmes on Dave that aren't Top Gear, Ray Mears or QI Anti-depressants that actually do what their name says

Dramatic

Oh how to condense this down... Before dx I was always unsure of myself, always aware that there was 'something'and I felt like some sort of alien. There seemed to be a never ending stream of questions as to why certain things were how they were, why certain things were difficult or impossible etc. Why could other people do things whereas I couldn't? After the dx my world did come crashing down but, having had time to take the situation onboard I now feel as though I have more confidence and I;m actually a lot better off. I know what I am, what I'm capable of and that there's a reason as to why some things are just never going to be possible. I no longer beat myself through frustration about being 'different' and not being able to do certain things as I now know why I'm different and why certain things are beyond me. I know why certain sounds, sights and smells upset me. It's not exactly given me a purpose in life (as things seem to be far less 'clear cut' externally than before - where am I going? How will I get there? Will there be barriers along the way?) but it has brought a sense of stability within myself - I'm more settled, more comfortable and feel almost a sense of 'belonging'. Yes I am different...but I know why that is and I know that I'm not alone.

Given that it's stupidly hot (ha, now that's an understatement) I figured that I'd give £1,000,000* to the person who invents a practical personal air-con unit This then got me thinking... I'd give £1,000,000* to anyone who can... cancel Wimbledon invent bagels that don't go mouldy come up with an easy way for me to move my desk outside of the office on nice (not hot) days remake Return of The Jedi...but make it good bump Keith Chegwin off X-ray glasses that really work Just for fun, what would you give £1,000,000 for? * The term '£1,000,000' is used a representative rather than actual value. Actual cash value of 0.00001p. No alternative prizes will be awarded or offered. The judge's decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. Blah, blah, blah

Hall

House

I tend to adopt a 'thoughtful' expression, stare off into the middle-distance etc. - that way I can avoid having to look at the person directly for long periods and it reassures them that I'm listening . Glancing at them (almost to show them that I am interested) seems to make them feel more comfortable too. 'Voice tone' is something that I get wrong a lot of the time so, for me, I've found that I'll try to spot if someone's getting upset and apologise. Of course people who know me are more than happy to either ignore it, or, better, pick me up on it (so as to help me learn).

Invitation

156 out of 200 - you are very likely an Aspie (oh, the shock ) And got an NT score of 42 out of 200 - methinks I'm not getting invited to those social functions anytime soon

Answer

Alibi

Partner

Over time you'll no doubt come up with a list of 'stock phrases' that you can come out with for when it comes to dealing with the 'chatty public': "Lovely weather", "Up to anything at the weekend?" etc. As for the personal references, could you ask someone where you used to work at? Just because you worked together doesn't mean that they can't give you a reference. Just a thought. Good luck

I once asked a job agency what their advice was and...drum roll please..."Do what you feel is right". Well that was helpful Since then I've tried various approaches and the one that seems to work for me is to say that "I have AS, it's a form of autism and, while it can make me 'quirky', it also means that I have..." and then start stating the positives about being AS (not in any great detail, just a case of being able to fcous, being very loyal, tenacious, conscientious etc.). If the interviewer asks about 'quirks' then, naturally this will be unique to you but, just as with the 'positives' (possibly even more so) then just keep it brief, don't go into any great detail and downplay the things that you find difficult (e.g. "Well I sometimes struggle with social situations, I tend to find that ambiguous instructions can be problematic..."). Most employers won't know what an ASD is so it's very much in your hands how you want to portray it: Is it (to them) a 'massive problem' that stops you from being able to do the job, or is it a 'quirk' that, from many perspectives, actually makes you better for the job? Although we're supposed to live in a society of equality and fairness (ha) most employers will opt to avoid 'problems'...so try to give them as little evidence of a 'problem' as you can. Note: From personal experience, I got caught out good and proper at my last job interview, had to explain what AS was, how it affected me etc. The personnel woman admitted that she hadn't actually heard of AS before but the fact that I kept focusing on the positives never sent alarm bells ringing in her head. Must have worked though as I've been here for over 18 months now

Pirate (har har me hearties )

Bandit

Crawler

Day

Sleeping