New Asperger Syndrome Defininition book launched
A book aimed at giving employers of people with Asperger syndrome the tools to support them in the workplace was launched today.
The National Autistic Society said its new publication gives details on the condition and emphasised supporting someone with the disability can be easier than many companies expect.
An estimated 211,700 people in the UK have Asperger syndrome, or high-functioning autism, but figures show that only around 12% are in full-time work.
Gill Spence, manager of NAS employment consultancy Prospects London, said: “The number of adults with Asperger syndrome and autism in full-time employment is appallingly low given the many skills they can bring to the workplace such as accuracy, focus, attention to detail and motivation.
“This book provides employers with a wealth of information on how to employ and best support someone with Asperger syndrome.
“Reasonable adjustments are more focused on working structure than physical changes, such as providing clear, structured tasks and explicit instructions and information.”
Artist David Downes, who has Asperger syndrome and works in a London art shop supported by Prospects, said: “For a person with Asperger syndrome, finding and maintaining employment can be incredibly difficult.
“As Asperger syndrome affects a person’s social and communication skills the interview process can be highly challenging. The concept of ‘selling yourself’ is very confusing. I explain myself as honestly as possible, in a very direct way, and this is not always suitable in an interview situation.
“If you do find a job then having employers and colleagues who understand Asperger syndrome will make all the difference.”
The book is available to buy from the NAS online shop at www.autism.org.uk/pubs and is part of the charity’s ongoing employment campaign, The Undiscovered Workforce.
The campaign focuses on raising awareness among employers, government and employment professionals to recognise the skills that people with autism can bring to the UK workplace.
The NAS is the UK’s leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism.
The National Autistic Society said its new publication gives details on the condition and emphasised supporting someone with the disability can be easier than many companies expect.
An estimated 211,700 people in the UK have Asperger syndrome, or high-functioning autism, but figures show that only around 12% are in full-time work.
Gill Spence, manager of NAS employment consultancy Prospects London, said: “The number of adults with Asperger syndrome and autism in full-time employment is appallingly low given the many skills they can bring to the workplace such as accuracy, focus, attention to detail and motivation.
“This book provides employers with a wealth of information on how to employ and best support someone with Asperger syndrome.
“Reasonable adjustments are more focused on working structure than physical changes, such as providing clear, structured tasks and explicit instructions and information.”
Artist David Downes, who has Asperger syndrome and works in a London art shop supported by Prospects, said: “For a person with Asperger syndrome, finding and maintaining employment can be incredibly difficult.
“As Asperger syndrome affects a person’s social and communication skills the interview process can be highly challenging. The concept of ‘selling yourself’ is very confusing. I explain myself as honestly as possible, in a very direct way, and this is not always suitable in an interview situation.
“If you do find a job then having employers and colleagues who understand Asperger syndrome will make all the difference.”
The book is available to buy from the NAS online shop at www.autism.org.uk/pubs and is part of the charity’s ongoing employment campaign, The Undiscovered Workforce.
The campaign focuses on raising awareness among employers, government and employment professionals to recognise the skills that people with autism can bring to the UK workplace.
The NAS is the UK’s leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism.
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