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Frustration in finding another Job

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I am in full time employment, diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome nearly 2 years ago, my employers are aware of my aspergers but my team mates don't, because

they are university graduates and I find holding conversations with them difficult.

 

My job involves helping customers with their computer software problems but if any problems have no clear yes or no answer, I struggle.

 

I have tried seeking help in changing and finding the right job from such organisations and the Job Centre, Remploy, Aspire (run by Autism West Midlands), but they are unable to help me in finding another job, becuase I am in full time employment.

If I was out of work, then they would fall over backwards to help me get into the right job.

 

This frustrates me a lot and am struggling to find what job suits people with Asperger Syndrome.

 

I would be interested to hear what jobs other adults who have aspergers are doing.

 

Thanks.

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Hello :)

 

I am 28, with Asperger's. I too have a job, but am looking for something better suited to me. It's proving very difficult, and now is not a good time to be looking for work. People without jobs are actually struggling a lot as well, but I do share your frustration at the lack of support in looking for more appropriate work.

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The lack of support, or rather the types of support available, are very unhelpful. I'm at university at the moment, but wanted to be proactive about developing work-finding skills and working towards having an appropriate career to go into once I finish uni.

 

I went to see a specialist ASD career adviser but was told they couldn't help me until I was actually unemployed, i.e. I had left university and didn't have a job. I think this is a really silly way to work, for anyone, but particularly so for ASD individuals who may experience increased anxiety over the future. They were essentially being reactive to unemployment rather than proactive in trying to prevent the situation happening in the first place. It annoys me, because it won't cost them any more to work with individuals at either stage, but an unemployed individual does cost society more (and that's without all the potential implications to mental health etc. etc. of being out of work). :wallbash:

 

The same should go for people currently in work but seeking to change jobs. If supported whilst in employment to allow for a smooth transition between jobs, that individual will feel more settled, and there won't be a period where they are unemployed and rely on benefits to live.

 

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This is a very tricky question really. I was very ill suited to the job I was qualified to do after coming out of university and I hated every minute of it. Luckily I had a way out and I now do something similar (I'm in Mental Health, I'm sorry I can't go into specific details), and the job I do actually benefits greatly from my AS traits. I need complete professional detatchment, I am required to follow a very ridgid code of practice and I have very strict diagnostic tools to use which don't require reading emotion at all. I work with people briefely on a one 2 one basis and that is something I can cope with easily. In short my job is perfect for me.

 

What I would say, is look at your AS and identify the positive traits that you have, then take some time and look at jobs where perhaps those traits might be beneficial, especially where they combine with your previous work experience. At the end of the day, you have nothing to loose by exploring those options and applying for something you feel well suited to. Personally I would mention your AS too when applying for work, as a lot of places have a guaranteed interview scheme, which links in to the DDA, which gives you a good chance to put your experience and personality across.

 

Zen

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Hi :)

 

I'm 33 this year and work as an admin at a telecoms company. I make sure my employers know the best way I respond to instructions(written) and also try maintain a routine everyday as I tend to have meltdowns a lot - to stop this from happening I make process flows for myself(i sit down with my manager and he now tries to help me integrate the non yes/no problems with fixed questions i can ask) - I have a lot of contact with Prospects (part of the NAS), and they are very helpful in helping people integrate into the workplace, get interviews, educating employers etc. They may be able to help you find a new job.

 

hope this helps!

 

 

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I have a lot of contact with Prospects (part of the NAS), and they are very helpful in helping people integrate into the workplace, get interviews, educating employers etc. They may be able to help you find a new job.

I've been on their waiting list since last December. They told me they'd let me know when I'm close to the front of the queue, but until then, nada.

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