Careers on the Spectrum

Supporting people on the Spectrum in developing their careers

Introduction

The Challenges of Transition

There are many challenges experienced by people on the spectrum as we

move from education to the workplace, and

Try to progress our careers in the workplace

What's different?

1. Working

Independently

What's different?

2. Workplace rules can

be 'illogical' and result in problems of

interpretation.

What's different?

3. Social skills required are more extensive

and more important.

What's different?

4. Working to someone else's agenda rather

than your own – whether it is the best

solution or not.

What's different?

5. Opportunity for overload much higher

What's different?

6. At college or

university we can find a quiet space if

we have an overload – at work it is harder

What do we need as employees with hidden

disabilities?

Time Spent

Proj

ects

Wor

ked

On

Get Familiar

Achieve Mastery

Get Experienced

Growing Confidence

Time Spent

Proj

ects

Wor

ked

On

Get Familiar

Achieve Mastery

Get Experienced

Growing Confidence

What do we need to do as employers of people with hidden disabilities in the

workplace?

Support Systems and Direction

Opportunities to learn by observing

Mentorship from someone who has been there

Summary• Recognise the challenges for the

individual– Environmental as well as personal

• Set realistic expectations– Mastery is not achieved overnight

• Recognise neurodiversity – a difference NOT a deficit– Mentorship programmes

Resources

• Asperger Leaderswww.aspergerleaders.org.uk

• Dimensionswww.dimensions-uk.org