Finding a Job When Dealing with Asperger's Syndrome

It is a documented fact that body language and linguistic nuances are one of the challenges individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome must overcome on a day to day basis. Yet it is never as apparent and potentially awkward as during a job interview. Finding a job when dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome is one of the single most difficult undertakings the individual will ever attempt, and even though some are quite successful, others struggle with their problems and fail to land jobs for which they are amply qualified.

The kinds of jobs which are usually considered suitable for someone with Asperger’s Syndrome are devoid of the kind of social interactions that demand a lot of attention to detail and body language. This eliminates work in the realm of public relations, public safety, and also retail. On the other hand, it equips job seekers for work in the area of research, science, computer work, and artistic endeavors.

Able to focus on their single most favorite topic of learning, an individual with Asperger’s Syndrome may have the education needed and also the expertise required to perform the work, but the job interview must still be braved. Finding a job with Asperger’s Syndrome requires the applicant to remember that it is the first impression that will undoubtedly count, and it is up to them to decide if they want to let their prospective employer know about their condition up front.

This tends to be a bad idea for some, usually when interviewing with a company that is afraid of lawsuits and fears that a person with a confirmed disability may sue them if they do not cater to every need the applicant envisions. It does not matter that many with Asperger’s Syndrome do not consider themselves as being disabled and instead believe that the modifications they require for a successful job performance can be easily achieved by them. On the other hand, if the interviewer is familiar with the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome, she or he will not hold the lack of body language against the applicant and instead focus on the individual’s skills.

The majority of applicants with Asperger’s Syndrome opt against sharing their condition with prospective employers. Instead, they seek to compensate for the problems associated with body language and facial expressions by portraying a highly professional exterior and are well prepared with answers for possible interview questions. Some even work together with a life skill coach or take classes at the local adult education center that serve to prepare them for the interview process and how to conduct themselves. This is a good idea in that it helps the applicant with Asperger’s Syndrome to know what to expect during any number of interview scenarios and also how to overcome some of the challenges they are likely to face.

This also eliminates the risk of the number one problem associated with stress in Asperger’s Syndrome individuals: apathy. The dreaded condition that might freeze the individual and prevents them from taking the steps needed to even attend the job interview, it can be prevented when the applicant knows what to expect and how to handle the various aspects of finding a job.