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Dear All, I'm a producer with a TV company called Optomen. I am adding this new topic as I would like to find people with ASD who have struggled to find employment for a BBC project I am developing. The idea is looking at the science of neuro diversity to present people to employers as an asset, rather than focusing on difficulties. If you would like to find out more please e-mail me at employme@optomen.com Many thanks Emma Parsons

I am a producer with a TV company called Optomen. I am developing a project for the BBC looking for people with Asperger's who have struggled to get a job. The idea of the project is to look at the science of how people who are considered to have a neuro-diversity area an asset to an employer focusing on individual strengths, rather than difficulties. If you would like to find out more, please e-mail Emma at employme@optomen.com Thank you

Hi, For the last few months I have been looking for part-time work to fit around an upcoming Uni course. I have taken the decision to tell any prospective employers that I have Asperger's Syndrome, because at my last job I didn't (because I hadn't been diagnosed then) and, long story short, I had to quit because of the stain the job put on me. I worked at a petrol filling station and, to be fair, the boss wasn't very good - but what also stressed me out was dealing with customers that I found difficult to read and understand as they often did silly, illogical things that often confused me. Right, that's enough context - what I am wondering is does anyone have an experience where they feel that they have been turned down for a job because of an ASD? I'm quite sure that my last boss wouldn't have employed me had she known I was autistic, as I think she wasn't intelligent enough to realise that it doesn't mean that you're a loony. I know that since the Equalities Act (2010) stipulated Asperger's Syndrome as an official disability that it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against someone with an ASD. However it can be covered up with excuses like "you're just not quite the candidate we're looking for" or what I seem to get: "the vacancy's been filled". It's hard enough that I struggle with Asperger's without bigoted middle managers scuppering my employment chances. Any shared experiences gratefully accepted. -Skaro7