Whirlpool

Sorry for the long post, but need to explain this one...

1. I've done every course possible to keep skills up to date.

2. Was student of the year (2008), and earned distinction for Music Industry Studies.

3. I've done heaps of voluntary work.

4. Have been signed up to several job agencies, including ones for disabilities such as Nova, Active Job Search, Employment Plus, ABS Hurstville, and 121 Employment.

4a) Sign monthly agreements with agency, I do my agreed job seeking activities, including canvassing and etc.

4b) Upon visiting agency two weeks later for discussing job plan, I show them what job seeking I've done, but they pretty much sit there with an "I don't know) attitude, and have done nothing.

5. Bought it up with Hank Jongen (centerlink CEO) on ABC nightlife last week. He has then referred me to several other departments, and in the end, I'm going around in circles with more Job Capacity Assessments, and being pushed from pillar to post.

6. On a realistic evaluation of my self, I guess employers are scared, because they see someone with Asperger's and a visual impairment as a potential OH&S nightmare, though that would only be them jumping to conclusions at best.

7. Also being honest, I know my limitations where team jobs, tight deadlines, and fast paced work places are no go. However library jobs, scanning, photocopying, graphic design, word processing, and light packing jobs would be right up my alley. A routine job is best suited to an Asperger's Syndrome person.

E-mail canvassing doesn't work, as they immediately get deleted (I suspect), and when phoning around, people ask for material in writing. Posting letters rarely gets responses, and making follow up phone calls, the people I've addressed letters to, say they haven't got them. Even when the letters have been send two three times.

Definitely a missing link. In the end, I know suffering Asperger's gives one a deficit in navigating social situations, but I'm nowhere near as bad as Dustman Hoffman in Rainman.

My SBS documentary can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/2prtv

PS: I've had to remove new youtube account, because of copyright reasons.

Good luck champ – you'll get there!

80sradio, can't help but be moved by your situation and inspired by your positive attitude. I wonder how you would feel about being self employed?

Clearly you have a special gift in terms of your recall for 80s music, which makes me wonder... could you possibly set yourself up as a national guru for music trivia and market yourself to radio stations around the country in a "contestant versus the guru" type quiz?

Say, for example, the radio station comes up with 5 questions to ask contestants and if they get more answers correct than "the guru" (you) then they win, if not then the prizemoney jackpots.

Something like this could be replicated all over the country, every State in Australia has a station that specialises in 80s music. Naturally you would get a regular fee for appearing on radio as the "guru".

The RockWiz documentary might be a good springboard for you to build a bit of a public profile? In theory you could do all of this from the phone at home, so you wouldn't need to get out and about too much.

Did you meet anyone during the course of the documentary that could perhaps help you out in terms of acting as your "agent", for want of a better word?

Furthermore I wonder if there is any money to be made from a website where visitors can ask you an 80s music trivia question and you provide an answer? (perhaps other more experienced Whirlpudlians can offer input here as to whether such a website would be a goer or not).

Sorry if I'm completely on the wrong track here, it just seems you have a great gift & would be nice to see you have a chance to make a bit of dosh out of it.

The fact that nobody has picked you up as a music librarian or in the wholesale/retail music industry is quite amazing to me – hang in there.

From the little I know you should have a collection of your graphic, artist and music work. You should approach media, graphics, TV, radio and publishing companies and show it off. I agree that commercial radio might be worth a try. Austereo definitely needs some down to earth talent to clean up their act.

If I was in HR I'd definitely take the time out to listen to you. I don't think people purposely would lock their door on you. In the day and age of email and phone communication it is too easy to never reply. Every person gets this treatment. The approach is usually the key. You might need a empathetic commercial recruiter to represent you and open the door for you.

If time is plentiful for you it might be best to actually walk into company offices and ask the front desk to make an appointment in person with an HR representative to discuss possible opportunities.

although it isn't necessarily helpful but best of luck mate i hope your efforts pay off

Provision writes...

although it isn't necessarily helpful but best of luck mate i hope your efforts pay off

Exactly what i was thinking. Your clearly a very smart guy, keep looking and i'm sure you will find something. Maybe try a record store? Good luck dude!

If the guy on boston legal can do it, so can you. Dont lose hope!

Provision writes...

although it isn't necessarily helpful but best of luck mate i hope your efforts pay off

I also agree. There's surely something out there for you.

Persistence wears down resistance!

Good luck :)

Like others I don't have much to add, but I wish you the best of luck.

CaptainCaveman writes...

Say, for example, the radio station comes up with 5 questions to ask contestants and if they get more answers correct than "the guru" (you) then they win, if not then the prizemoney jackpots.

Something like this could be replicated all over the country, every State in Australia has a station that specialises in 80s music. Naturally you would get a regular fee for appearing on radio as the "guru".

The RockWiz documentary might be a good springboard for you to build a bit of a public profile? In theory you could do all of this from the phone at home, so you wouldn't need to get out and about too much.

Did you meet anyone during the course of the documentary that could perhaps help you out in terms of acting as your "agent", for want of a better word?

Furthermore I wonder if there is any money to be made from a website where visitors can ask you an 80s music trivia question and you provide an answer? (perhaps other more experienced Whirlpudlians can offer input here as to whether such a website would be a goer or not).

Sorry if I'm completely on the wrong track here, it just seems you have a great gift & would be nice to see you have a chance to make a bit of dosh out of it.

The fact that nobody has picked you up as a music librarian or in the wholesale/retail music industry is quite amazing to me – hang in there.

Excellent idea, something I've never thought of, and will look into.

en312 writes...

If time is plentiful for you it might be best to actually walk into company offices and ask the front desk to make an appointment in person with an HR representative to discuss possible opportunities.

I could try to do this again, but in the past, I have physically walked into hundreds of places, and have heard every excuse from the boss has gone to lunch, or is sick, to the business is going bankrupt.

Of course I'll ask, when is the best time to speak to them, can I book an appointment, or come back after, but in the end, I leave my resume, sample work and etc, and never hear back as if I've never been there. Even phoning the places the next day or after, the receptionist wouldn't remember who I was, and only after a bit of prompting will remember my visit. They then come back with the standard line that my material was forwarded to the HR department, and so I'll follow that up, then in the end nothing.

Just for example, I've visited the ABC, and tried speaking to the program director of RAGE.... ummm, that was back in July. I only got a letter three days ago, to say how wonderful my knowledge of pop music is, but afraid they can't offer anything.

I'm currently dealing with Qualatex/Pioneer balloons in america, as they are considering my graphic design range for a new range of mylar balloons. A case of having fingers crossed.

80sradio writes...

I guess employers are scared

Most I've worked with look purely at the "can we afford to employ this person", try to look for jobs were you can demonstrate your ability to make them money.

It's not a particularly helpful post but it might help you target your jobs a bit better.

team jobs, tight deadlines, and fast paced work

I had a job once assembling Through Hole Circuit Boards that was none of these. Might be suitable if your eyesight is ok for up close work. If your able to stay focussed for 8 hours then this will more than make up for slower work speed.

EDIT: Plus you can wear headphones and listen to 80's music :)

~~Adam writes...

Most I've worked with look purely at the "can we afford to employ this person", try to look for jobs were you can demonstrate your ability to make them money.

I agree. This rule applies to every potential employee. You don't want to be given a job out of pity or mercy because it won't create any satisfaction on your or your employer's side.

I also like to say that job hunting can be tough for anybody. Moving from no job to an entry job is no different than moving from a support position to a management position. Every step is a competition.

We are now aware of your sincere interest. It is not obvious how to get in contact with you (Mark). If I knew somebody who could maybe help you I wouldn't know how to allow them to contact you. I don't think the radio email address is personal enough. I am not really sure if the radio email is your email address. People prefer to call as well and it is crucial to make yourself available via phone.

I think you need to take some time and build a website to market yourself and your portfolio or use LinkedIn to allow you to build and maintain relationships.

Your experience with these employment providers is pretty similar to my family's experience and they don't have Asperger's.

Have you considered applying for a public service position? Of all the employers around, the public service is probably best suited to cope with your Aspyness (is that a word – nm I just made it up). We do not discriminate against any applicant on that basis and if employed we are obliged to provide you with the necessary equipment to allow you to undertake your work.

NSW Public Service: http://www.jobs.nsw.gov.au/

All of our jobs get advertised online now.

Australian Public Service: http://www.jobaccess.gov.au/JOAC/Jobseekers/Getting_work/How_to_apply_for_a_job/How_to_apply_for_Australian_Government_jobs/home.htm

Good luck in your search. :)

At least your post is coherent, well structured and omg, there are line breaks!

Don't let Asperger's become a self-applied label. You are not an Asperger's person, but rather, a person with Asperger's Syndrome.

I'll hazard a guess that it is not you. But rather employers are only recovering from some KFC/GFC thingo. Plenty of people out of work as well and competition is high. It will get you down, and you will feel worthless. But, remember that tomorrow is another day. Get up and continue. Find what motivates you and hold onto that. It is great you know your limitations (most people I know are so full of themselves) but don't let them (the limitations) bound you.

I come from a health science background and this statement A routine job is best suited to an Asperger's Syndrome person really infuriates me. Once again, don't fall into a category/label and allow youself to be stigmatised and marginalised. Every human being has issues, some just have been unfortunate enough to have been branded with a particular name.

When I was providing therapy for young ones (mostly high functioning children with Autism), most of my time was spend counselling parents rather than actually performing "therapy" on the child itself. Why? Because the parents were told by society to conform by labelling their child as someone incapable of acheiving any greatness. Don't let this happen to you.

With regards to employment agencies. The generic ones won't offer much help. Find recruiters who specialise in your areas of interest. There are plenty that target only media, and others which look for admin drones.

All the best.

PS – can you count cards? If so, lets go to the casino! /joke

I accidentally came upon a desktop publishing role last night that may be of interest. They might offer these postions in different cities.

http://www.asio.gov.au/Careers/Content/Vacancies/production_manager.aspx

Don't be scared off by the title or salary package. It doesn't hurt to ring and ask questions about location and skillset or if the employer is willing to restructure the role to the capacities of a candidate. I think in your case it would be reasonable to apply to roles and then ring them to discuss how your application can be improved in competitiveness and assessed fairly. You might also ask if they offer training or assistant positions for less pay. Ask if you can include samples of your work to prove that your vision hasn't prevented you from doing graphic design and publishing work.

Please take note that if you applied to the above position or any other ASIO role you cannot discuss it with anybody.

Gator writes...

We do not discriminate against any applicant on that basis

No employer is legally allowed to discriminate based on disability (unless there are saftey implications involved). No need to hold the public service up as a paragon of equal opportunities.

To the OP, keep going. You'll get there in the end. I know it doesn't help because it's awfully difficult to prove but, as I mentioned above, you should not be discriminated against due to your condition.

What about doing freelance work for independent record labels? Or bands unsigned?
If graphic design is something your aiming for I would suggest to develop a unique style (which you may already have).
Contact Triple J is something I would try as well, they deal a lot with independent / unsigned artists.
But yeah I like what was mentioned about building a profile, that the hardest part sometimes. Now that you have had some exposure try and keep the momentum rolling.
Good luck!

Try a government job, they hire people regardless of discrimination, my work has a DBA in a wheelchair and its great to see government agencies do not discriminate :) They even pay for her taxi ride (special wheelchair one) to and from work every day.

Im sure there is a music/related government job somewhere...

~~Adam writes...

EDIT: Plus you can wear headphones and listen to 80's music :)

Great idea. :)

.dan!el writes...

PS – can you count cards? If so, lets go to the casino! /joke

I loved to, but my memory being so good, wouldn't the bouncers kick me out of the high rollers room? haha

en312 writes...

We are now aware of your sincere interest. It is not obvious how to get in contact with you (Mark). If I knew somebody who could maybe help you I wouldn't know how to allow them to contact you. I don't think the radio email address is personal enough. I am not really sure if the radio email is your email address. People prefer to call as well and it is crucial to make yourself available via phone.

Yah, good point. The e-mail address does go direct to my home computer. http://www.2prfm.com is more or less just my radio station website, but my commerce site is:

http://www.brcaustralia.com which also goes direct to my personal account, they are all hosted on the same server.

However, I agree, some improvement is needed.

.dan!el writes...

Don't let Asperger's become a self-applied label. You are not an Asperger's person, but rather, a person with Asperger's Syndrome.

Again agree, but here it's a gray line. I've tried two approaches with this,

a:) the first being to camouflage my disabilities as much as possible, and twist the truth as much as I can, on the whim that they'll employ me.

In the end I'll most probably waste both the recruiters and the employers time and turf quite a few people off at the same time

b:) Have the more honest approach, and be upfront with my asperger's. I note the several things I can still do, but being careful not to draw pitty, with noting weaknesses only when necessary.

I want to be honest enough, so people appreciate it, and nobody's time is wasted. Trying to be to positive, and thinking one can do everything may come across as a hot headed jerk, and in the end, no-one appreciates helping someone, only to find out they're totally incapable.

Another job I tried applying for, was for Telstra's directory assistance. It would of been a simple (inbound call) routine job. Julia Ross were extraordinarily please with my in-take performance, after three weeks of back and forth phone calls, everything went silent. I even passed the tests with flying colours. Upon following up, It was like hitting a brick wall, then trying to get blood out of a stone. It was like "we love this guy and want to get him in", then suddenly, "total freak out, he's gonna be a total liability".

Domain Name side line.

I've also bought up a heap of very good, generic domain names. which has included:

thefreshmix.com, org, and etc accessibleaudio.org, and etc
and another 15 odd names.

I've got the list set up on a private website at present, and discussing it with friends. They would have no idea if they would sell for $20, or $20,000, so just wondering what potential something like this would have?

Gator writes...

Australian Public Service: http://www.jobaccess.gov.au/JOAC/Jobseekers/Getting_work/How_to_apply_for_a_job/How_to_apply_for_Australian_Government_jobs/home.htm

Good luck in your search. :)

Thanks, very good lead I haven't tried yet.

Frysie writes...

Im sure there is a music/related government job somewhere...

Even if there isn't a music one, I'm sure there will be a Gov't one somewhere suitable for you, that doesn't suck too much.

I had a feeling that Gov't jobs have a policy of giving preferential treatment to people who suffer from a disability. So perhaps its time to make your 'disability' work for you, use the hand up, and then get in there and show them how ABLE you are and blow there socks off.

Job hunting sucks full stop, and yes, you have some extra challenges, but your attitude and focus will pay off, I don't doubt it – and that's why I hope you don't just take a crap job – I know it's better than nothing, but part of me thinks you deserve something the recognises your ambition. By the same token, hope you're not holding out for the CEO of ABC :-)

80's music rocks!

Look forward to hearing how it all goes for you.

No constructive advice – just good luck with it.

Agree that public service may be a good option. You'd get on well with a friend of mine whos musical tastes end in about 1997 (Spice girls first album).

Crusaders Fan writes...

By the same token, hope you're not holding out for the CEO of ABC :-)

Yeah, right, god,, that would be a dream, I would turn Triple J into a full on 80s station. :):)

I agree with the advice on government jobs and radio. I'd be contacting Triple J. Good luck.

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/

80sradio writes...

I would turn Triple J into a full on 80s station. :):)

And I'd be your Number One fan!

Why not apply for a government position?

People with disabilities get preference, because there are quotas to fill.

I heard your call on the Nightlife podcast a couple of weeks ago and was struck when you said you sent hundreds of enquiries without getting a single reply, maybe thanks to being upfront about your condition. My concern is also on the flip side — when you do get a promising response, it may be from an employer who reckons they see someone who may be easily taken advantage of.

But taking a less upfront and honest approach then trying to sort out any issues later isn't something that comes naturally to Aspies in general :-/

Rescued the podcast from my recycle bin!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/8391ip

My oldest brother has Aspbergers. He worked for the Australian Taxation Office for many years. He has retired now, and I wonder if they have the same hiring policies? He has learnt his social skills, but prolonged contact with people stresses him out. His role was in data analysis – where are they hiding the money, and he could always find it. He can also fix stuff, but can't tell you how. Scanning? Try Archiving companies, or research organisations. You can do a Library how to course, not sure where or how.
Not at my best at the moment – will get back to you. Been to the dentist. Ouch.
Saw you on Rockwiz, maybe you could work for them writing questions. . . .or Spicks and Specks?
All the best

80sRadio, it is nice to see you trying. I'm fairly sure I remember seeing you on Rockwiz (earlier in the year?) – fantastic, now that would be a good memory to hold onto.

Have you considered vocational work promoting human rights and treatment of people that identify as disabled, or have impairments? I know those sorts of jobs just aren't leaping out of the newspaper, but there might be something there with a bit of work and dabbling in different organisations.

From your posts on this forum, and the videos, there is absolutely nothing wrong (in my opinion) with your intelligence. You seem very smart. In an ableist, normative society we have a lot to learn from people who can provide different perspectives. It is differences that make society interesting, and diversity that keeps us real. If I was you, I would at least look into becoming an activist/speaker on such issues.

It's a sad fact that, although workplaces spout anti-discriminatory practices, they have to be upheld by biased people :(

So they'll find some other excuse to not employ you.

To them: stiff guano, they don't need you anyway. I can't help any more other than to say, go get 'em, and good luck!

synik writes...

Why not apply for a government position?

People with disabilities get preference, because there are quotas to fill.

Sorry to contradict you Synik but I could not let this go by. Both assertions are urban myths. I work in Human Resources in the Government and perpetuating these myths is unhelpful.

1) No one gets preference – all modern recruitment is merit based. That being said the key is making sure your knowledge, skill and abilities are able to be translated into job merit.

2) There are no "quotas" for any type of person as this contradicts the principal of merit based recruitment. Modern government recruitment examines the unqiue needs of the applicant and any barriers to applying or working are removed where it is practical to do so.

The STAR method of applicant response is currently very popular and useful. There are lots of tips on google such as this one: http://web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/star.html

I am not sure if this helps but best of luck.

Argus writes...

1) No one gets preference – all modern recruitment is merit based. That being said the key is making sure your knowledge, skill and abilities are able to be translated into job merit.

http://www.search4jobs.com.au/job/view/4fsyrs00/search/o/government-defence/

So are the requirements of that position merit based, and not founded upon meeting the structural allocation of employing an Indigenous person?

How does merit policy allow this to be the case? Just interested, that's all.

I've got no advice to add on other than to take a looks at the government jobs that has already been said multiple times =).

What I do have to say is nice job on RockWiz – just watched the youtube vids. Nice work on the clutch question =P hehe

80sradio writes...

Just for example, I've visited the ABC, and tried speaking to the program director of RAGE.... ummm, that was back in July. I only got a letter three days ago, to say how wonderful my knowledge of pop music is, but afraid they can't offer anything. If you apply for a job at the ABC you have outline a selection criteria & have a understanding of their guidelines & policies which must be included in a application, I know this because I have tried to get a job their myself & I know how you feel I also have a disability (Only 5-10% vision & classified as legally blind) & I have found that those job agencies who are meant to help people with disabilities get work treat their clients like they are dumb. One of the main reasons that companies won't employ the disabled is because they fear that they may have to folk out money for work place modifications as a business want's to make money not spend it.

Would just like to add my voice of encouragement!

Very powerful, reading through this thread. I really do hope you find employment, furthermore employment in an industry which utilizes your unique skills and one you enjoy.

I'm going to pick this off more from the generally unemployed angle than disabled and unemployed.

80sradio writes...

4. Have been signed up to several job agencies, including ones for disabilities such as Nova, Active Job Search, Employment Plus, ABS Hurstville, and 121 Employment.

JSA members are not recruitment firms, never have been and never will be. Unless your trade is pallet repair or pick & pack or any other manual labouring they will not have any clue what-so-ever, at all.

4a) Sign monthly agreements with agency, I do my agreed job seeking activities, including canvassing and etc.

4b) Upon visiting agency two weeks later for discussing job plan, I show them what job seeking I've done, but they pretty much sit there with an "I don't know) attitude, and have done nothing.

As long as you do what you're told and don't make waves, they generally just don't care.

The real fun is trying to get training from them.....

5. Bought it up with Hank Jongen (centerlink CEO) on ABC nightlife last week. He has then referred me to several other departments, and in the end, I'm going around in circles with more Job Capacity Assessments, and being pushed from pillar to post.

Hank Jongen won't listen to anyone working in his sector...
http://www.centreflunk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1199.msg7398#msg7398

(Welcome to the JCA merryless-go-round. You only get a set number of medical certs before CL can reject them outright as once you hit that point you will have to undertake a JCA....)

E-mail canvassing doesn't work, as they immediately get deleted (I suspect), and when phoning around, people ask for material in writing. Posting letters rarely gets responses, and making follow up phone calls, the people I've addressed letters to, say they haven't got them. Even when the letters have been send two three times.

Canvassing in general doesn't work. Having been in and out of the system myself while being between contracts I have already experienced getting 3 replies from a days letter run of 100. And 2 of those were the dead letter office....

80sradio – You are inspirational and so positive! I am not in a position to be able to offer you a job so hopefully someone on here will be! I will cross my fingers for you. Not sure if this could work but my local pub has a trvia night every tuesday, could you perhaps contact local RSL's or Pub and perform music trivia nights??? Maybe you could take a percentage of a door cover charge or something like that.. Just a suggestion. Please let us know how you go... chin up and good luck.

Jon48 writes...

could you perhaps contact local RSL's or Pub and perform music trivia nights??? Maybe you could take a percentage of a door cover charge or something like that.. Just a suggestion. Please let us know how you go... chin up and good luck.

Another splended idea. I would suspect with many xmas parties and new year dues coming up, it would be the perfect thing for some instant cash.

I'm currently doing everything possible to be in some kind of employment before xmas, because my brother (who works in public sector) notes that everybody starts shutting down their recruitment operations by the middle of november, and things don't spring up until middle of March. So I'm just dreading the fact that if I don't get anything soon, I'll be shut out in the recruitment freeeezer for another four months.

I gotta admit, don't rely on the JSA people.

When I was unemployed, I sent out over six hundred cold canvassed letters. I spent all eight hours the JSA office was open, in there.

In the end, the jobs I got were from tipoffs from other people. Go figure.

Hi 80sradio. My brother has Asppergers and works for a large book publishing company. He was able to get the job through a job agency that specializes in finding jobs for people with disabilities. It did take a while though but they offerred him lots of support and help whilst he was with them.

Best of Luckk

I have found a case study on one of the government websites that may help; just thought that you might be able to contact them and see if they are able to give expert advice.

http://www.jobaccess.gov.au/JOAC/ServiceProviders/Case_studies_and_success_stories/AspergersLeigh.htm

'Scorpio65 writes...

No employer is legally allowed to discriminate based on disability (unless there are saftey implications involved). No need to hold the public service up as a paragon of equal opportunities.

This is the ideal but it's FAR from the reality. I've run into more than one employer that simply can't wrap their head around hiring someone in a wheelchair. I can't imagine what the O.P. is going through where he can be almost 100% positive that he's getting knocked back because of his medical condition. Proving the discrimination even when you've been told flat out that it's the medical condition is quite often 100% impossible as well.

Mark, where abouts in Australia are you from?

The public service may have certain rules and regulations set out for discrimination, but what the actual regulation is, and what actual recruitment officers prefer to hire, i'm affraid are two entirely different things. Thinking that the public service is an equal opportunity employer is one of the biggest urban myths, and ultimately it is up to the order of merritt.

It seems that the recruitment officers from the PS think that the sun shines out of their preverbial, all because they have employed one person with asperger's syndrome, and they can keep on riding that same line.

This is the one they keep bragging about on their PS recruitment website for the last five years. Maybe that Lee can put a good word in for me, seeing he has somehow magically cracked the order of merritt.

I'm A Torso! writes...

If I was you, I would at least look into becoming an activist/speaker on such issues.

Oh yeah, I am an activist big time, I blog about it, and write letters about it, and even have phoned Camberra quite a few times this year.

Back in November 2007, I've actually uncovered an entire commonwealth rought, that pays hundreds of special needs people $0.50 an hour, but because it's of a legal nature, I can't go into it here. You can find it at:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendId=142086614&page=5

and go to the post 16th November 2007, about hope for Asperger's

Because of my RocKwiz appearence, I was the guest speaker at the International Asperger's Conference in Brisbane back in February. Wile there, I met up with Bill Shorten's secretary, who actually had the nerve to promise me a photo retouching position. Can you imagine my excitement at the news. Upon following it up it turned out to be no position at all. It was just a total lie to sound good at the conference.

Upon bringing it to mr shorten's attention, he just brushed it off then referred me to Brendan O'Conner, who then simply referred me back to the DEN, the so called disability employment network.

I've bought this to the attention of the Greens, and they were genuinely annoyed on how Labor have treated me. I've also bought the issue of the DEN to the Greens too, and apparently it's being taken up to the senate estemates level.

This was put to them, this time last week, so I'm yet to hear back on how it went. Stay tuned.

I was diagnosed with 'it' long before it was cool. I was a kid in the 90's who basically could not adhere to social norms. For example, the other kids would be socialising and playing games with each other and I'd be sitting in the corner talking to myself. This was diagnosed before mental health conditions became a big topic and was picked up in primary school as a result of several 'things' that happened.

I hate how every man and his dog who is a little bit shy decides to call himself 'aspergers' and then uses it as an excuse for everything wrong with their life. This 'condition' is not a disability, it is a difference. You are probably going to find social situations hard and there will be some things that you will just never understand and some people will just hate you for not being able to speak their language but that is something that you need to learn to live with.

You will learn to deal with things and learn as you spend more time in social situations and force yourself to be in those situations. There is no excuse in your condition to justify not getting a job.

The point I was trying to make was that many people suffere from a degree of autism but it does not paralyse their life. I have a few friends who are probably clear sufferers but it has never been diagnosed becaused they've got engineering, science, or computer science degrees and have gone onto careers that suit them. People just see them as a little 'weird' and put it down to being a Geek.

There have been a great number of highly successful people who have had Aspergers syndrome.

I wouldnt have even told my employer about a condition which mostlikely won't affect the work you do.

That being said, i do hope you find a job.

en312 writes...

I think you need to take some time and build a website to market yourself and your portfolio or use LinkedIn to allow you to build and maintain relationships.

Are you referring to this website?
http://www.linkedin.com/

Argus writes...

Sorry to contradict you Synik but I could not let this go by. Both assertions are urban myths. I work in Human Resources in the Government and perpetuating these myths is unhelpful.

Sorry to call you wrong, but you are. In the department I work for, QLD government.

There are specific targets for the following groups:

- Aboriginals & Torres Straight Islanders
- Women
- Disabled

They are not "quotas" as such, but "targets".

There are job ads that go around from time to time where they specifically require people from one of those target groups.

I spoke to the Diversity Coordinator about this sort of thing earlier in the year.

This is just my department – others are different.

80sradio writes...

Are you referring to this website?
http://www.linkedin.com/

Yes. Have a search. Some of the people you know might be on there already.

en312 writes...

Yes. Have a search. Some of the people you know might be on there already.

Great, so many ideas, I wasn't sure where to start, but this looks like a good starting point,

Many thanks to all.

Like many people here I can only offer encouragement. Your determination and enthusiasm are admirable. I was also unaware that employers still took advantage of people with disabilities, this is disgraceful and the government should be doing more. Best of luck!

Plessnig writes...

Canvassing in general doesn't work. Having been in and out of the system myself while being between contracts I have already experienced getting 3 replies from a days letter run of 100. And 2 of those were the dead letter office...

Fwiw, what was the other reply?

sbb23 writes...

I wouldnt have even told my employer about a condition which mostlikely won't affect the work you do.

I agree.

If you're applying for jobs you feel play to your strengths, is Asperger's actually relevant to the employer?

If it's not going to have a significant impact on the ability to do the job then don't mention it.

PS. Bad luck with regards the Shorten episode.

Rogue writes...

PS. Bad luck with regards the Shorten episode.

I know, only a few weeks previous to his secretary attending the Brisbane forum, Shorten himself addressed a parliamentary breakfast, saying that people with the condition deserve the same quality of full life, to everybody else.

For his secretary to be making false statements around forums was one insult, for Shorten him self to fobb me off was pretty much dropkick behaviour. There's more I love to say, but I'm over it and life goes on.

sbb23 writes...

I wouldnt have even told my employer about a condition which mostlikely won't affect the work you do.

+1

How does aspergers affect you? If its just difficulty in social situations and being extremely immersed into your work then I wouldn't say anything.

If you label yourself, then employers may expect problems and it will put them off hiring you vs someone without aspergers.

You just need to make an effort to be social eg. saying Hi, how are you going today, and Bye at various times of the day. For most people it comes naturally, but aspergers people need to learn what is required for social interaction.

Herbie writes...

I've run into more than one employer that simply can't wrap their head around hiring someone in a wheelchair.

Yep +1 was a govt dept I used to work for as well. They had no idea about catering or being inclusive of people with disabilities, in fact they went out of their way to get rid of people with disabilities. If we had the energy and enough epirical evidence, we could take them to town, but as like many others – it's a case of not enough energy and not enough money for the solicitors.

Rogue writes...

Fwiw, what was the other reply?

Phone call from the current tenants informing me that the business in question no longer existed.

(The funny part was that all the companies contacted had listings on yp.com.au...)

80sradio writes...

I've tried two approaches with this,

a:) the first being to camouflage my disabilities as much as possible, and twist the truth as much as I can, on the whim that they'll employ me.

In the end I'll most probably waste both the recruiters and the employers time and turf quite a few people off at the same time

b:) Have the more honest approach, and be upfront with my asperger's. I note the several things I can still do, but being careful not to draw pitty, with noting weaknesses only when necessary.

I understand where you're coming from, but of course, I am not in your position and would dare not assume to know how you would feel. The following is just my opinion.

From my work/studies, I encounter all sorts of people, with and without labels.

I think "camouflage" is too strong a word and perhaps I'm being too anal about semantics but I would discourage anyone, ANYONE, from having to assertively and consciously blend in. I would discourage anyone from twisting the truth, certainly not for a job. You ARE who you are. No amount of twisting will work. And I refrain from the word disability a lot. That is society's way of dealing with you, by essentially dissing-your-ability.

I agree with your comment about wasting all interested parties time and efforts when trying to hide oneself. By all means, choose certain information to disclose, and other particulars to only answer when asked – its what "normal" folk do (and I use "normal" reluctantly and with a groan).

With regards to the honest approach – my view is that this is a personal trait. Some people are brutally honest and this gets in the way. Others are good at keeping details vague. It depends on your character and your situation. Yes you have Asperger's, but you know, and everyone should in fact know, that this by no means is a limitation. By the label, you are considered as "high-functioning" and should an employer/recruiter be worth their salt, they'll know the autism spectrum.

Be confident in describing and explaining the tasks you excel at. Don't ever focus on your perceived disability.

All the best mate. I'm gunnin' for ya.

cupcakez writes...

How does aspergers affect you? If its just difficulty in social situations and being extremely immersed into your work then I wouldn't say anything.

If you label yourself, then employers may expect problems and it will put them off hiring you vs someone without aspergers.

You just need to make an effort to be social eg. saying Hi, how are you going today, and Bye at various times of the day. For most people it comes naturally, but aspergers people need to learn what is required for social interaction.

No sorry mate, this is not just something one can just learn, it is a sensory condition, where various aspects of a work-place can literally make me go crazy, hence my honesty. Noise, bright lights, lots of movement and activity can make my head feel like it's going to explode, hense why I note positions where I can work solo are more beneficial for me, and ultimately the employer, as they'll get more value out of me.

Though the above elements can contribute to my stress, just having people around that understand the condition (inspite of those elements) would already make those other elements 99% more tolerable.

A constant conformidy attitude doesn't work, and never will. It will always leed to failure. Without trying to sound to abrasive, I just want to know when will some people rid this mind-set??? In Norway and Ireland, they actually set up workplaces around people with Aspergers, here down-under, there is always a super-strong conformity push, from those in charge or in authority.

People like Bill Shorten are what you could say are a protected species, and will never know the word "accountability". His disabilities portfolio is apparently not his main priority, it plays second fiddle to his other which is Minister for child resources... isn't it?

.dan!el writes...

I understand where you're coming from, but of course, I am not in your position and would dare not assume to know how you would feel. The following is just my opinion.

From my work/studies, I encounter all sorts of people, with and without labels.

I think "camouflage" is too strong a word and perhaps I'm being too anal about semantics but I would discourage anyone, ANYONE, from having to assertively and consciously blend in. I would discourage anyone from twisting the truth, certainly not for a job. You ARE who you are. No amount of twisting will work. And I refrain from the word disability a lot. That is society's way of dealing with you, by essentially dissing-your-ability.

I agree with your comment about wasting all interested parties time and efforts when trying to hide oneself. By all means, choose certain information to disclose, and other particulars to only answer when asked – its what "normal" folk do (and I use "normal" reluctantly and with a groan).

With regards to the honest approach – my view is that this is a personal trait. Some people are brutally honest and this gets in the way. Others are good at keeping details vague. It depends on your character and your situation. Yes you have Asperger's, but you know, and everyone should in fact know, that this by no means is a limitation. By the label, you are considered as "high-functioning" and should an employer/recruiter be worth their salt, they'll know the autism spectrum.

Be confident in describing and explaining the tasks you excel at. Don't ever focus on your perceived disability.

All the best mate. I'm gunnin' for ya.

Thanks, that's what I've always tried saying, it's negotiating the situation as best as one can.

80sradio writes...

it is a sensory condition, where various aspects of a work-place can literally make me go crazy, hence my honesty. Noise, bright lights, lots of movement and activity can make my head feel like it's going to explode, hense why I note positions where I can work solo are more beneficial for me, and ultimately the employer, as they'll get more value out of me.

I know what you're talking about because I have the same problem. I can't go to restaurants or many other places due to the background noise just overwhelming me. Walking around in the CBD is even worse.

But I still wouldn't go around telling prospective employers – just deal with it in your own way and pick and choose the jobs that will suit you. If you have to say anything, maybe mention that you prefer to work solo in a quiet environment as this helps obtain your best results.

In Norway and Ireland, they actually set up workplaces around people with Aspergers, here down-under, there is always a super-strong conformity push, from those in charge or in authority.

Australian's seem to be more of the "she'll be right mate" attitude and shun people who are different/disabled because it takes too much effort to accommodate them. (I'm sure there are exceptions, however)

Unfortunately for some people there is a huge battle to overcome their personal issues just to get to work everyday, and nobody else knows how much of a struggle it is. However based on some of the posts by various people on WP, its easier to give up and sit on a disability pension for the rest of their lives. Good luck with your job search OP.

80sradio writes...

For his secretary to be making false statements around forums was one insult, for Shorten him self to fobb me off was pretty much dropkick behaviour. There's more I love to say, but I'm over it and life goes on. I'd expose this women for what she really is it's just such a shame that you can't get proof of what she actually said or anyone to back it up, It dose show that most public servants who are in such a position will say & do anything to make themselves look good like our pollies.

You don't state what kind of work you're looking for (Or if you have, I can't find it, sorry)

You're based in Sydney, my office is opening there soon, hopefully by the end of the year. We already have a person with a similar disability working as a mail clerk in our... er... mail room, here in Melbourne.

Is that something that interests you or are you looking for something a bit more "upper-class"? Shoot me a whim if interested, but it looks like your education is pointing you elsewhere

When we had an consultant discuss jobs for disabilities with us (I like to help), he mentioned the mail clerk role, admin assistants, roles that don't have alot of pressure and are routine.

I find they are often very dedicated and never, if ever, complain about their work, have you looked at those roles previously?

:-)

I'm A Torso! writes...

http://www.search4jobs.com.au/job/view/4fsyrs00/search/o/government-defence/

So are the requirements of that position merit based, and not founded upon meeting the structural allocation of employing an Indigenous person?

How does merit policy allow this to be the case? Just interested, that's all.

There are exceptions to merit in specific circumstances. These are supposed to be rare but I think we all know that they crop up mor often than they perhaps ought to. They tend to come about for several reasons:

1) political "interference" (Politician thinks something would look good when being relected). All sorts of "odd ball" initiatives get launched under this heading – often with money attached. Since most departments are poor (despite popular beleif) they grab whatever money they can regardless of how crazy the scheme is.

2) targeted recruitment methodology to meet an identified industry shortfall (I think this might be the one they are citing). I did some work as a workfroce planner and some professions are so skewed that the government walks in to try and kick start a bit of variety.

3) genuine occupational need (might also apply – often we only send indigenous employees to indigenous communitys... there is a long history if distrust and people with compatable backgrounds are sometimes the only ones able to get the job done).

Take all that with a grain of salt because if someone REALLY wants to pervert the system it will happen in public enterprise as well as private. My job was always to try and ensure that recruitment was equitable, appropriate and defensible. However, the role of Human Resources in the government varies form department to department. When I am we are an "internal consultant" which means if the manager REALLY wants to, then they ignore us.

I hope this assists.

cupcakez writes...

But I still wouldn't go around telling prospective employers – just deal with it in your own way and pick and choose the jobs that will suit you. If you have to say anything, maybe mention that you prefer to work solo in a quiet environment as this helps obtain your best results.

Yeah, I can see what your trying to get at, you don't want to burn ones bridges straight away, but then again, I'd rather be recruited, where both the employer and I know exactly where we both stand, with no unforseen surprises down the tracks.

Thanks to the help on here, I could (enphasising the word COULD) have something lined up within the next month or so. Fingers crossed to see what happens, and I still have to hear back from Qualatex/Pioneer, about my graphic design proposal.

But then again, if none of those work out, there are still tonnes of things I've learned from here over the last week or so, it's great to know that they are some people out there that still genuinely care.

I definitely have higher hopes now to what I did this time last week. I think these forums are a fantastic place to find new light. :)

I say this from hard-learned experience.

You won't get the job you really want by heading straight at it. You'll be blocked by the people who are convinced they know how the job should be done, and the sort of person they think will do it that way. You won't fit their image.

The way to get the job you want is to do something near it really well. And you will. In your own weird sort of way that drives everyone crazy by breaking all the rules, then surprises them with how good the result is. Then one day that job you really want will become available, and all those people will be on your side telling the gatekeepers to the job to give you a chance. At which point you've got to make it your job. To turn it into something that you can do well, and you're irreplaceable at.

Gordon writes...

The way to get the job you want is to do something near it really well. And you will. In your own weird sort of way that drives everyone crazy by breaking all the rules, then surprises them with how good the result is. Then one day that job you really want will become available, and all those people will be on your side telling the gatekeepers to the job to give you a chance. At which point you've got to make it your job. To turn it into something that you can do well, and you're irreplaceable at.

Very interesting reply, when I did my course last year, one of the teachers has a job, right at the top of the music industry, who deals direct with all the big players. When the documentary was being produced, the teacher was totally impressed with my music knowledge, and was extra helpful in my lessons. When making the approach for some employment, the demeanor changed pretty much immediately into being aloof, distant, and disengaging, with the feel of some psychological walls slipping into place.

80sradio writes...

I know suffering Asperger's gives one a deficit in navigating social situations

Since [only] you know what you're capable of & what stimuli you can't tolerate, I think the BEST option you have is:

. Start your own business

With the Internet as a tool, you can search for genuine business ideas, make a short list of those in areas you know & love (& can design a workplace, for yourself that meets your need), & get support (eg, from a NEIS provider, community loan organisation or support group or humane Venture Capitalist... don't forget major international foundations, at this point).

In a nutshell, you decide – based on what you love to do, can do really well, & what you can get funding for – what to do & how (eg, on-line or in the home, if these are practical; they'd at least give you the greatest control over your workplace, ie, if you don't need to go out & meet clients on their turf).

It's been known by new-arrivals & people with disabilities forf years: When all else fails, start your own business (if you're able).

For example:

When one high-earning salesperson lost a job – in a previous recession – the need to feed a family & pay a mortgage made a change of work important.

1. the first new business was: garage-sale-hopping (to buy good gear, cheap) & selling it at a weekend market (today: on-line, eg, via eBay, etc.)

Grossed: ~$50,000 / year after working out how to do that well

2. a 2nd business (after tiring of the first one): delivering high quality "specialty" lettuces to high-paying restaurants, ie, 24x7

(I don't recall whether they grew the lettuces or just bought & stored it... but it paid well to run, so they stayed with that one, for a while...)

As others have written: The sky's the limit!

Maybe stop trying to find a job that meets OTHERS needs, and start creating a job or business that meets YOUR specific needs.

(Oh, there's a job-hunters guide for the "creative minority" that gives this plan, ie, while you're still job hunting:

- study ONE or TWO companies until you know them (inside & out) so WELL that you can find some problems that they have

- work out some solutions to some of their problems

- identify (if youre research hasn't already brought this name to your desk) the person responsible for the area(s) of the problems you've found solutions for

- meet that person & show your genuine interest in the company, by carefully revealing both:

a. your understanding of the problems you've discovered &

b. a reasonable estimate of the amount of $$$ your solution would yield (ie, give them a good reason to hire you, but NOT the solution you've come up with)

A wise manager will CREATE a job for you (long- or short-term) in that company, so you can fill it & solve one or two of the problems their current staff have overlooked.

If all goes well in that first task/job context, you might be asked to look at other areas, this time from an insider's perspective.

(Hint: DON"T tell a company that you've found holes in their corporate IT security, until you've established a 100% reputation for being a white hat security expert... ;-)

---

Because of the effects of stimuli, I'd suggest creating your own business (where customers either come to your office, designed not to distract you or they you never need to meet them at all) is the way to go... but it's NOT my decision, mate.

Good luck... and come back & let us know what you've chosen & how you go at it.

Coo-Wah writes...

. Start your own business

I'm doing this now with instore imaging, such as posters, and specially design mylar balloons. Like anything, it's gonna take a few months to find ones feet. I was really hoping to find anything, just anything before xmas, even if it's washing dishes at a cafe to pay the rent and bills.

I know that I noted the stimuli thing, but it's not such a black and white situation. If some of the elements are playing directly to my strangths, then other elements are not such an issue, ie; if a job is completely routine, then concentration is minimal, meaning that noise and lighting is less problematic.

However if the job is less routine, then more concentration is needed, hence the stimuli issues. I guess the thing to consider here is some give and take.

It's hard to explain, but at the end of the day, I'm still a pretty flexible person. It's just the matter of talking to someone face to face.

Sorry for the somewhat complicated reply (as it may seem) but that's what it boils down to, just to be able to talk to a boss or manager face to face, which I guess for anyone already is a tricky thing.

CaptainCaveman writes...

Clearly you have a special gift in terms of your recall for 80s music, which makes me wonder... could you possibly set yourself up as a national guru for music trivia and market yourself to radio stations around the country in a "contestant versus the guru" type quiz?

Say, for example, the radio station comes up with 5 questions to ask contestants and if they get more answers correct than "the guru" (you) then they win, if not then the prizemoney jackpots.

A friend has just informed me about an 80s exhibition at the Sydney Powerhouse Museum. I thought as I can give the chart hits of any given week in the 1980's, I can most probably appear there for a fee, taking peoples questions on the 80s. See how it goes.

I would think that self employment is a good bet for the O.P. though with the caution that it will come with it's own set of challenges – contrary to popular myth one does need to have face to face and (business) relationship based interaction in self employment.

It could be good for the O.P.

I am generally skeptical of many of these new damn fangled conditions, including aspergers.

I have met the odd person who is diagnosed with this condition, and certainly they can be a challenge to relate to, but I think socialisation and good counsel is the answer not pharmacy drugs and woe me trips as often happens.

I wish you all the best 80sradio.

Michael613 writes...

I wish you all the best 80sradio.

Again, many thanks, I've just followed up one of the other posters ideas on signing up to linked in.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-boerebach/17/381/2ba

not pharmacy drugs and woe me trips as often happens

Agree, totally, I had a few doctors try to push that stuff on me, and they were pretty annoyed I didn't go down that path.

I guess at this moment, I have two objectives.
1:) first to just get any job, just to get some cash flow, and
2:) when that's established, then go for something that I'm more qualified for.

@ 80sradio if I could offer you a job or could help I would.

Best of luck. Theres something out there for everyone. Might be tough to find it but you will get there

Goodluck

80sradio writes...

Agree, totally, I had a few doctors try to push that stuff on me, and they were pretty annoyed I didn't go down that path.

Based on the occasional interaction I have had with people in your position – and my impressions of aspergers (and similar conditions) -
May I suggest that you get involved recreation wise with something social and artistic – not in I.T, technical or science fields – like music, art, drama, dance etc...? If that's not your thing try something sporty – but not real 'blokey team' games – try water sports, cycling etc...

This might be what you need to help 'connect the dots' and improve your social developmental deficit.

Michael613 writes...

This might be what you need to help 'connect the dots' and improve your social developmental deficit.

I don't believe this will work for the O.P. Social development will never come naturally, and can only be learnt by studying the theory behind it.

80sradio

I write knowing that this is the world my son will have when he grows up. He is a 9yo Aspie.

There is always such a difficulty in working out whether to be upfront about the Aspie side of things or to mask it off as best you can. I won't go into that here.

However, if you are looking for work, I think a common thread in here is that employers are looking for someone who is good at something. Rather than think "well, this is the sort of work I am not disqualified for" think more about "well, this is what I do well and so who needs someone who can do this".

Agencies, government offices and the like are filled with people who are not all that motivated to work for you. As far as you can in this life, try and reduce your dependency upon, or use of, government departments. “You will never understand bureaucracies until you understand that for bureaucrats procedure is everything and outcomes are nothing.”

You need to think more about employers and do some direct approaches. Do it scientifically though.

First: start with a list of I am good at .... (e.g. you might know a lot of 80's music, but your real skill might be "I have a kick-ass memory for sounds to faces to names etc). Make a list. Ask some friends and family.

Second: see if there are companies who have a particularly good reputation for being Aspie/sight impaired employers. Search them right out.

Get the name of the HR manager there and write directly. They won't really be interested in the hard time you have had in finding work. Concentrate on what YOU can do for THEM. You want them to employ you because YOU are their man. The government agencies tend to have a view of "employ this person – you should feel sorry for them."

From what I have read of your work and motivation, I don't think you would like a job with someone who would employ you for that reason.

Finally, on the music thing, I am not sure there would be constant employment for someone who had an encyclopaedic recollection of 80s music charts. However, you could consider whether you are that much into music that you could expand out your reportoire a bit.

Maybe you could do some study which produced a history of this or that musical movement or radio label or something of that nature. You could also produce quiz questions for pub quiz question makers.

I remember my son could memorise cars, make and model. I got him into cars and he was not actually interested in them.

It is different with astronomy, but with you, I would perhaps contentrate more on your memory.

It sounds like quite a formidable asset. There are occupations that reward ability to process information and make recollections with memory. Perhaps music is only one place you have used to date to showcase that gift. I will think about it a bit more and will hopefully post later. Feel free to email me, as I think about this often with my son.

Peace

PS – this is a global financial crisis. Plenty of NT's struggling to find work too!

80sradio writes...

I thought as I can give the chart hits of any given week in the 1980's, I can most probably appear there for a fee, taking peoples questions on the 80s.

I'm impressed with your resourcefulness. Most people wouldn't have even seen that as an opportunity. Good luck. :)

HomewardBound writes...

“You will never understand bureaucracies until you understand that for bureaucrats procedure is everything and outcomes are nothing.”

The government department where I work both values and rewards creativity. The emphasis is finding innovative solutions to age old problems. I wouldn't rule out Government employment for 80sradio based on your assertions.

Nice post, btw. :)

volupheles writes...

I don't believe this will work for the O.P. Social development will never come naturally, and can only be learnt by studying the theory behind it.

I don't think either of these approaches is going to be very helpful. Imagine attempting to teach someone whose brain can't "get" addition that 1+1=2, and that 1+2=3, and 2+2=4 and continuing to explain the answer to every possible sum. It's something that would be so time consuming and impractical it would just lead to frustration and would bring the person no closer to "getting" addition.

Understanding social situations and how and why people behavior how they do is a thousand times more complex than addition, and I think what people need to understand is that just like how some peoples brains are just unable to "get" algebra, there are other people who can't "get" social behavior.

Best of luck to the O.P., I've got a lot of friends struggling in the current job market too, it really is a tough time to find work, but it sounds like you're handling a difficult situation well, and I'm sure opportunities will turn up soon.

http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/

I have adhd, they have really helped me out in the past (and I won't get into debate as to if it exists or not lol)

Have you tried temp agencies? I know its only temporary but often you can get full time placing out of it and from my history with them, they found jobs that were exactly what I was looking for (got full time on my second placement).

I tried job agencies and honestly I still don't think I have received calls from any of them but the temp agencies were the complete opposite, they always had plenty of opportunities going especially around christmas

Mark

you will slot in

stay positive

regards

Rangar

portland09 writes...

Understanding social situations and how and why people behavior how they do is a thousand times more complex than addition, and I think what people need to understand is that just like how some peoples brains are just unable to "get" algebra, there are other people who can't "get" social behavior.

Best of luck to the O.P., I've got a lot of friends struggling in the current job market too, it really is a tough time to find work, but it sounds like you're handling a difficult situation well, and I'm sure opportunities will turn up soon.

Portland09, no-one could of put it better, you're a champion for putting it so simply, not even I could of thought of putting it down that way.

That's not to say that I'm completely blind to peoples moods, emotions, and expressions, but every once in a while I may seem disinterested, whilst actually I'm not. I guess my issue is that I have a bit of a delay, which some may perceive as "not with it" or somewhat slow.

Batmantha writes...

Have you tried temp agencies?.

For immediate work, that might be the way to go. thanks:)

Much of the other stuff mentioned here will develop with time.

CaptainCaveman writes...

Say, for example, the radio station comes up with 5 questions to ask contestants and if they get more answers correct than "the guru" (you) then they win, if not then the prizemoney jackpots.

Something like this could be replicated all over the country, every State in Australia has a station that specialises in 80s music. Naturally you would get a regular fee for appearing on radio as the "guru".

Well, I've just applied to RMK voices in North Sydney, to see if such a thing could be done. They were the only agency I could dig out of Yahoo, surprisingly there doesn't seem to be many agencies specialised in catering for radio and media. :(

I'll see how this goes, I may have to contact the radio networks direct.

80sradio writes...

That's not to say that I'm completely blind to peoples moods, emotions, and expressions, but every once in a while I may seem disinterested, whilst actually I'm not. I guess my issue is that I have a bit of a delay, which some may perceive as "not with it" or somewhat slow.

Then perhaps don't think of yourself as an 'aspie', think of yourself as 'country'.

I have more than a passing interest in this thread, since one of my kids has been diagnosed with Aspergers.
I see many similar traits from the OPs posts in him.

Just a short reply at the monent due to time constraints, but I would question why you would advertise Aspergers up front to any prospective employer.
You are quite clear in what kind of work is suitable for you, and what isant. If you just chase the positions that suit your abilities and limitations, then I would question the employers need to know.

Hi folks, Just getting concerned about the user "Rob Loblow". I was in conversation with him, and is now longer contactable, does anyone have his contact info. Thanks.

This was the last message I got:

------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Mark,

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you! Still in the planning stages of our Sydney office though. Will let you know when I have updates :-)

Regards,
Paul

------------------------------------------------------------

And this was the message I got when trying to contact him?

--------------------------------------------------------------
Rob Loblaw has disabled private messaging. You can not send messages to this person.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks

I feel that in recruiting employers like to leave a very big margin of safety when it comes to the skills they are seeking for a role vs the nature of the role itself.
If I was hired to do a fraction of the things professionally that I had to learn for my uni degree then I would be a very rich man : p

Unfortunately, this means that even for mindless admin paper pushing etc they will push for buzz traits like "bubbly" multi talented, team players etc. In reality this leads to people being overqualified and getting bored in their jobs. And people with aspergers are excluded for jobs that they are perfectly capable for.

Anyway, thats just my two cents about why it might pay to be restrained in your intial disclosure to employers. Having said that, I do realize OP has made it clear they want to be upfront with recruiters.

Is the OP getting the Disability Support Pension?

The Aspergers syndrome excuse works to get you DSP. Why would you want to work if you are on the DSP? The employers would pay the disabled people below the minimum award wage. The rate is based on some ridiculous Work Capacity Assessment test.

numonex writes...

Why would you want to work if you are on the DSP?

To have some purpose, to make more money than DSP provides, to avoid being a bludger, sense of self worth, be a productive member of society etc.

Based on your previous posts, you can't seem to understand that people with Aspergers are not all bludgers, and are out or want to be out in the workplace.

I wish the best of luck to all high function austistics, Aspergers-class autistics are very fortunate to be as high functioning as they are.

Hopefully one day autism will be a curable condition.

80sradio writes...

Rob Loblaw has disabled private messaging. You can not send messages to this person.

Probably the reason is that too many other people may have been contacting him trying to get a job. I'm afraid that does not help you contact him, but it is a possible reason. Hopefully he will contact you again. Wishing you all the best.

Hi 80sradio. My son has an ID of which he has displayed some signs of aspergers since birth. Although he attended both primary and secondary special schools, we never discussed his condition but encouraged him with his strengths. He was on DSP when he left school but through the help of his Disability Employment Network which also worked through his strengths he was able to gain employment in private industry who have really embraced my son for what he can do them. The employer since taking my son on board 2 years ago has learnt he is a hard worker and can do the job required. He has become a valued member of his team. My son has been off the DSP and supporting himself financially and enjoying his job which is what we all want to do.

Inside you there are some very good strengths and what skills you can offer the employer which you must highlight in your resume and at interviews. My sons condition was not put on his resume and was only mentioned at Interview stage. Its best not to put a negative on it. One of your strengths might be your attention to detail etc... If your disability support network isn't doing enough to assist you finding a job that suits you, find another which will. After all thats what the federal government pays them for.

Think and act positive. I know it's hard to and can only speak from a parents perspective having been through what you are going through with my son.

I hope discussing my sons experience I hope helps you.

numonex writes...

The Aspergers syndrome excuse works to get you DSP. Why would you want to work if you are on the DSP? The employers would pay the disabled people below the minimum award wage. The rate is based on some ridiculous Work Capacity Assessment test.

Because I'm not a bludger.

cupcakez writes...

To have some purpose, to make more money than DSP provides, to avoid being a bludger, sense of self worth, be a productive member of society etc.

Based on your previous posts, you can't seem to understand that people with Aspergers are not all bludgers, and are out or want to be out in the workplace.

Thanks Cupcakes for the heads up. I am the OP and bumped this post to raise the awareness of not just so much my condition, but more to the point that we would like to contribute to society. I hate the DSP, as it is only 20.5% of average male earnings.

In spite of my radio station activities, studies and job seeking efforts, I'm getting paid the same amount of money as most probably some other bludger who goes to the pub and gambles and drinks his DSP away.

They should just abolish all these pensions, and introduce an activity payment, which is based on the amount of things a person does. If they do a course, they would get 25 percent of AME (average male earnings). On top of this if they partake in a volunteer placement or hobby that interacts them with the community, (such as my radio station), then it could be raised to 50% of AME. On top of this, if they are looking for so many jobs per week, then it could be raised to 80% – 100% of AME.

Basically with this system, the bludgers would get donut, and the people (like me) who genuinely try to make a go of it, would be rewarded for their efforts.

Of course at the end of the day, I don't want a government hand-out – I want a job. But the system has to be change from one shoe fits all, to a system that rewards and motivates. There has to be a change in the entire social security system that dramatically changes the dole bludger mentality, and the single most important hinging element of this issue is "encouragement and motivation". From my experience, these Disability Employment Network providers are just as lazy as a portion of the unemployed.

Judging by symptoms, it would seem certain professions such as programmers, engineers and actuaries etc have held a signifigant proportion of aspergers types for years. And it was treated more like "oh that guys a bit anti-social, eccentric", but they persevered in spite of their difficulties and worked to their job description.

Nowadays, among other extreme things, I hear people claim that they are unsuitable for jail due to aspergers and that it's a mitigating factor for assault. So to put how I feel in an analogy – it may make people limp along socially to an extent, but that doesn't mean it's time to pull out the "wheelchairs".

I'm speaking generally here and judging from his video, I do feel like OP has genuine concerns due to what seems to be a severe case combined with other ailments. But I'm a bit dubious about the self diagnosed people all over the internet who position their touch of awkwardness and neurotic thinking alongside serious mental disorders. This then becomes with combined with a one size fits all support group militancy where people who like video games too much put themself on the same page as rain man.

I have friends with aspergers and their fairly minimal requirments are just considered in the the same way as we might be careful with a friend who has a short fuse or friend who might not want to try new things etc.

duwitz writes...

I'm speaking generally here and judging from his video, I do feel like OP has genuine concerns due to what seems to be a severe case combined with other ailments. But I'm a bit dubious about the self diagnosed people all over the internet who position their touch of awkwardness and neurotic thinking alongside serious mental disorders. This then becomes with combined with a one size fits all support group militancy where people who like video games too much put themself on the same page as rain man.

Don't worry about the self-diagnosed idiots. They only choose it because it's a "cool" syndrome, I guarantee you that a bunch of these people will all of a sudden be miraculously cured once they realise that aspergers isn't a seperate syndrome and is in fact simply a high functioning form of autism.

I've had a few people introduce themselves to me as "aspies" in the last few months and the second I've said "Oh, must be difficult living with autism" there's a lot of back pedalling or claims that aspergers is special and different and not like those "retardeds".

80sradio writes...

numonex writes...

Because I'm not a bludger.

Mate i wish you the best of luck, it's absolutely fantastic to see someone who is facing so many difficulties in life hold themselves up to such a high standard.

You are spot on about the DSP, and any form of govenrment benifits, here you are busting your gut to make something of yourself, to achieve in life, and yet there's people like you who are content to sit back take their government cheques and go to the pub and sink it into the pokies.

Don't let life get you down, we all go through troubling times.

series1rx7 writes...

I've had a few people introduce themselves to me as "aspies" in the last few months and the second I've said "Oh, must be difficult living with autism" there's a lot of back pedalling or claims that aspergers is special and different and not like those "retardeds".

A few months ago I met someone with Aspergers and I can assure you he was neither normal nor retarded.

He was both intelligent and required a extra dose of patience from me to try and get along with him in the 'very' social setting we were in.

Do not tell every person you meet that you have Aspergers. No one wants to know your life story. Positive attitude is what you need. Poor social skills well work on it.

Michael613 writes...

A few months ago I meet someone with Aspergers and I can assure you he was neither normal nor retarded.

He was both intelligent and required a extra dose of patience from me to try and get along with him in the 'very' social setting we were in.

Your post makes no sense, I didn't say autistic people are retarded or stupid. My post was regarding the huge crowd of self-identifying/self-diagnosed "aspies" not actual autistic people.

numonex writes...

Do not tell every person you meet that you have Aspergers. No one wants to know your life story. Positive attitude is what you need. Poor social skills well work on it.

It's not that cut and dry and simple. I'm not saying it can't be done, but they are still so many that have such a simplistic view of the condition. If I could just change it like a light switch, believe me, I would.

Have you been in contact with CRS Australia? http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/

As they say:

If you have a disability, injury or health condition and want to get or keep a job, we can help. We will work with you to manage the barriers you face in getting a job.

I know someone who works there, and they do great work in helping people with various health issues get and keep jobs.

C.

Corey writes...

Have you been in contact with CRS Australia? http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/

I did a few years ago, and from memory there seemed to be some admin or bureaucractical thing that prevented me from joining up, but I just can't remember what it was. I'll certainly follow it up, first thing on Monday and see what it brings. :)

Actually, if the company has the ability to understand and manage the Asperger's person well, they are often absolutely BRILLIANT people who can have real contributions to make.

I see Asperger's a bit like an imbalance – they need to work harder to learn social skills, but once they've learnt them they are fine. For instance, I know of an Asperger's who runs a large company very successfully. His Aspergers was so intense he had to learn to let people touch him, but he did, and he's an amazing guy.

It's a bit like they've been given extra intelligence and capability but less emotional intelligence/shielding.

Wonderful people, most companies should be so lucky as to hire and keep an Asperger's. I hired an Asperger's at one point, an absolutely brilliant team member.

The other thing worth remembering is that I suspect that no two Asperger's are exactly the same. Hence why a lot go undiagnosed for some time.

Aspies am I right? Who wants to share a story about legendary Aspies?

Also – Larry Wall – the author of a lot of foundational internet software and concepts including Perl (plus Patch, RN, the first AutoConfigure etc) – is an Aspie. There are some Aspies out there that have made a serious difference to the world. Oh yes – there's also some suspicion that Bill Gates may be an Aspie or close.

Apologies if I've rehashed some of the previous discussion, haven't read it all!

brianoz writes...

Actually, if the company has the ability to understand and manage the Asperger's person well, they are often absolutely BRILLIANT people who can have real contributions to make.

Aspies like to think this and propagate this myth but it is just that. They are no more brilliant on average than the general population. Even in their comfort zone, whatever that may be for that particular sufferer, they are simply as good as someone else that does the same work over a period of time.

There is also a ludicrous movement from this same sect of people in which they attempt to attribute success to Aspergers, and as a result they are trying to show all the greatest thinkers, movers and shakers on the last 500 years was a high functioning autistic. i.e. Bill Gates, Einstein, Isaac flapping Newton. No, just no.

Tips if you have aspergers like me:

1) Do not tell others you have aspergers, they'll most likely not care or it will work against you.

2) Chat with as many people and observe others as much as possible

3) Be involved in lots of group activities, ie shooting, hiking etc etc.

4) Observe your movements in a mirror or ask one of your mates if theres anything odd about the way you walk or anything odd you do. That way you can correct yourself.

I understand that aspergers is a broad spectrum disorder and as such it varies from person to person.

Though I do find that i still cannot understand some people.

Such as those that spend inexorbinate amounts of money on their animals. Or people that keep their animals alive even though they are suffering, the animals not the human.

One problem I can't seem to fix is my facial emotions, generally i will look sad or blank at all times except when laughing.

series1rx7 writes...

Aspies like to think this and propagate this myth but it is just that. They are no more brilliant on average than the general population. Even in their comfort zone, whatever that may be for that particular sufferer, they are simply as good as someone else that does the same work over a period of time.

There is also a ludicrous movement from this same sect of people in which they attempt to attribute success to Aspergers, and as a result they are trying to show all the greatest thinkers, movers and shakers on the last 500 years was a high functioning autistic. i.e. Bill Gates, Einstein, Isaac flapping Newton. No, just no.

And what position do you say this from??

Don't take this the wrong way, but it might be somewhat more appropriate to read and wise up before coming out with such rediculous statements.

Research some books and articles on the syndrome, then see if you still hold the same opinion.

series1rx7 writes...

hint – you won't be able to

Please reread the beginning of this thread.

As I said, what position are you in to make such a judgement? Are you a doctor? Therapist? etc? It would support the credibility of your comments?

Posthumous diagnosis – whereby famous historical figures are claimed by illness support groups – is a dubious procedure taking place with many mental ailments including aspergers, schizophrenia, bi-polar depression and ADHD. I think some poor sods like Vincent Van Gogh have apparently been allocated 50 psych disorders by now. Role models are a good thing, but clearly this is out of hand.

The positive spin I could give to it is this: if you have a professional diagnosis, achieve something great and then are upfront about your diagnosis, the door is open for pioneers to inspire many people.

I have fatigue issues. Whether this is labelled chronic fatigue doesn't matter to me. I just know that I get tired and I have to remedy or prevent that. What I do know is that just about every employer out there would quietly ignore my application were I to mention it as a "formal" illness. The situation is the same with depression. But if I become employed they would only notice me yawning a bit more or a depressed person feeling down every now and then.

I think Jeracoo made some very valid points about some basic steps that might make life easier. Based on my dealings with aspies I would add that toning down the formality of spoken language might help. I think they have a misconception that wider society uses simple language because they are dumb – but efficiency takes intelligence. Also wider society knows social conventions are bullshit. They are just smart enough to follow them when they know they will benefit.

Corey writes...

Have you been in contact with CRS Australia? http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/

As they say:

I know someone who works there, and they do great work in helping people with various health issues get and keep jobs.

I just spoke to them yesterday, and upon informing the lady of my Asperger's, she passed the buck straight away, and said to go and speak to vision australia about finding work, as they would be more equiped to help you.

I'm pretty much through with these lazy agencies, doesn't centrelink have a system where you sign up and they get you job interviews? This is what I want.

If I'm looking for work already, I don't understand why I should go to these places to do the same thing, I thought their job was to get me the job interviews, that's what they are getting paid for. I'm not just going to these places to keep some bureaucrat in a job.

Even just a few moments ago, I saw some transcription ads on seek.com.au. I contacted Auscript, and noted that although I could only type 40 wpm, that my strengths were repetitive work. She wouldn't have a bar of it, and 80 wpm was the absolute minimum.

So again, here I am wanting to work but another defiant employer giving an uncompromising no, this is why we have such a problem with so many people on the DSP pension.

80sradio writes...

Even just a few moments ago, I saw some transcription ads on seek.com.au. I contacted Auscript, and noted that although I could only type 40 wpm, that my strengths were repetitive work. She wouldn't have a bar of it, and 80 wpm was the absolute minimum.

So again, here I am wanting to work but another defiant employer giving an uncompromising no, this is why we have such a problem with so many people on the DSP pension.

This is you not facing reality right here. 80wpm is truly the bare minimum for this sort of work. Maybe if you volunteered to accept half the pay of the other workers this would be viable but otherwise she is paying you twice as much as anyone else to do the same job.

80sradio writes...

I just spoke to them yesterday, and upon informing the lady of my Asperger's, she passed the buck straight away, and said to go and speak to vision australia about finding work, as they would be more equiped to help you.

Do you have to tell people about your Aspergers?

Sometimes I think its better that people just think you're a bit shy and weird. (or brash and outspoken, depending on your symptoms)

I'm a 21 year old female with Aspergers Syndrome, I have been employed since I was 17 :-D. Diagnosed at 18 ½.

As Aspergerians and being more evolved than our non-Aspergerian cousins (yes, I am being inflammatory lol), we are probably MORE capable of doing most jobs!!

Anyway, don't mention your AS until AFTER you get the job. I've always had great success with telling people (mainly because my old boss's son has AS, and I am still on the same Defence base so yeah, lol)

brianoz writes...

Actually, if the company has the ability to understand and manage the Asperger's person well, they are often absolutely BRILLIANT people who can have real contributions to make.

Depends on the person. I know two people at my school who have it. One smart but very lazy and fails almost everything. The other very hard working, gets the work done however I have noticed he will avoid conversation with certain types of people. For example we are in chem I asked to ask the teacher about something to do with our prac. He was very hesitant, he finally built up the courage to ask her but blurted it out extremely fast and quite. Another example I was sitting with him in Maths, teacher forgot to hand him a sheet, again he hesitated to ask her for one so I gave him mine and asked. Overall if I was an employer I would hire him without a doubt. Hard working and gets the job done. I think the OP will find if he finds an employer that can relate to aspergers in some way they will understand. However I think the majority of people don't understand and think they do not have what it takes.

kezzstar writes...

As Aspergerians and being more evolved than our non-Aspergerian cousins (yes, I am being inflammatory lol), we are probably MORE capable of doing most jobs!!

Where do you guys get this impression? I understand you desperately want to belong to a group and I guess you feel like you want your group to be awesome but seriously...

series1rx7 writes...

Where do you guys get this impression? I understand you desperately want to belong to a group and I guess you feel like you want your group to be awesome but seriously...

I was joking. Sorta. Maybe...a little.

I thought I'd made it obvious I was joking anyway. My apologies for not making it clearer.

Besides, you normalies like to think your group is better too!! :-P

kezzstar writes...

we are probably MORE capable of doing most jobs!!

I disagree. There would be some jobs. But most? A lot of jobs involve working together in a team. A skill people with aspergers find difficult.

mitch123 writes...

I disagree. There would be some jobs. But most? A lot of jobs involve working together in a team. A skill people with aspergers find difficult.

Here's a little secret:

Most Aspies would LOVE to be social. I know I can be very chatty and happy when conditions are right. But because of the way we're wired, it gets kinda embarrassing, painful and downright not worth it.

Kezzstar how did your diagnosis come about and how has it affected your employment prospects and job searching?

Is it just me, or do other people see the word 'Asperger's' and think of Homer Simpson saying 'mmm ... ass burgers ...'?

Disclaimer: was diagnosed with mild autism at 3 (would probably be called Asperger's if that particular diagnosis had existed in 1979, and was actually diagnosed by a paediatrician ... no internets for the masses back then!), therefore I'm allowed to take the mickey out of the spectrum. :P

Meanwhile, back on topic ... has the OP had a think about what skills and interests he has that could be used to start a small business? Given the length of time of being unemployed and the like, he may qualify for NEIS or something similar. Might be worth the OP's time to contact his local Business Enterprise Centre and ask ...?

series1rx7 writes...

Kezzstar how did your diagnosis come about and how has it affected your employment prospects and job searching?

Well, I was on the verge of losing my job due to my 'quirks' for want of a better term. My boss's son did a brief stint of work for us, and he has AS, so the boss started questioning whether I had it or not. So I booked in for an assessment, and at the end of it all, Mum told me that when I was 5, my teachers questioned whether or not I had Autism or not. Needless to say, I got the diagnosis.

I go to a great psychologist once a month and he works with me on the things that need improving. He understands that most of the things 'normal' people find horrifying, I think are quite logical (like walking on all fours. I don't do it in public, but it's still fun!) and only works on things that seem to be real problems, like stress and fears.

Went to some other idiot on recommendation from my GP-never again! After one consultation, the idiot wanted to put me on drugs!

I have my bad days and my good days, but I survive and remember that work is only 8 hours of my day!

"Aspies generally have the mental age of below 12 years old."

Kezzstar, I'm gald you are able to brush that off but I have to call that quote utter BS and it is clear that Numonex has no idea what they are talking about.

Asperger's syndrome is typified by abnormalities in social interaction and sometimes communication. Aspergers is never associated with intellectual disability – this is one of the defining differences between Asperger's and other forms of autism.

People with Aspergers do face challenges – but mostly because the rest of us don't accept differences all that well. We employ several people with Aspergers and other forms of autism in my organisation and they make a positive contribution.

I would encourage the original poster to keep looking for work and support an earlier suggestion that the Public Service may be a possibility.

Play to your strengths – memory is obviously one, and although 80s music is your interest the skills that you have built around that interest can be applied to other tasks – for example cataloguing and recognising relationships between data. I think your intuition of a library job is a good one, but other analytical tasks might also be possible.

If you have an interest in graphic design have you thought of combining this with your cataloguing skills and applying that to data visualisation? This is a growing field and worth checking out – google "Data visualisation" and have a look at what is currently being done and see if that interests you.

Best of luck in your efforts – I'll keep following this thread.

gb_Grendel writes...

Kezzstar, I'm gald you are able to brush that off but I have to call that quote utter BS and it is clear that Numonex has no idea what they are talking about.

Meh, I get it all the time. You learn to-SQUIRREL!!!!!!

Sorry.

Still, I mean what I said when I said 15 years old. That's my mental age pretty much. Makes things hard, but I live :-)

Ahh but is that your mental age or mental attitude? I get the feeling you are quite bright enough.

So because some people can act like they have a disability people who actually have that disability are to blame?

gb_Grendel writes...

Asperger's syndrome is typified by abnormalities in social interaction and sometimes communication. Aspergers is never associated with intellectual disability – this is one of the defining differences between Asperger's and other forms of autism.

Aspergers = Autism. There are no "defining" differences, Aspergers symptoms list matches that of a high functioning autistic person. I note however you say "other forms of autism" as opposed to "autism" so you probably know that there is simply the one autism spectrum.

Aspergers negative traits include: lacks empathy, naive, narcissistic person, self centred, immature, introverted, poor communicator, not a team player, little or no social skills.

Aspergers positive traits include: hard working, determined, focused, independent.

AS can be misdiagnosed for schizophrenia/ADD/borderline personality disorder and various other psychiatric conditions. It is a form of autism that is usually diagnosed before the age of three.

I'm sorry Numonex but that is incorrect – autism is often diagnosed before the age of three because delayed speech is one of the symptoms. Aspergers is often diagnosed later (average age of diagnosis is 11) for although they are part of the same spectrum some of the defining characteristics are not apparent until later and delayed speech is usually not a feature of a person with Asperger's. Due to differences in diagnostic approachs some older children who are given a diagnosis of Aspergers may have had delayed speech as a child. Strictly speaking if the diagnostic protocol had been followed correctly (Using the Diagnostic Statistical Manual – a common international diagnostic tool) a diagnosis of autism rather than aspergers would be given for a child who had a history of delayed speech.

For good information on this topic I recommend:

http://www.autism.org.au/content/page/Understanding-Autism.html
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=306&id=1944
http://www.autismsa.org.au/

which includes a discussion of the differences between autism and asperger diagnoses here: http://www.autismsa.org.au/pages.aspx?sid=102

series1rx7 writes...

This is you not facing reality right here. 80wpm is truly the bare minimum for this sort of work. Maybe if you volunteered to accept half the pay of the other workers this would be viable but otherwise she is paying you twice as much as anyone else to do the same job.

Offering to do it for half the rate is exactly what I did. Besides this work is paid upon how many minutes of transcription you complete. If the rate is $3 a minute for example, where someone else may complete 60 minutes $180, I may only complete 30 minutes, where I get $90. I've got no problem with that, so that takes care of your "facing reality" remark.

I don't expect to be paid anymore or anyless then any other person. My beef was about the fact that many employers only have one word in their vocabulary; the word "NO".

Employers like to kick the long term unemployed and disabled people. Un-Australian would be the correct term for it. A fair go should be given to all people regardless of their differences.

OP you have come across a lot of Un-Australian employers. In this day and age the employers have thrown the concept of a fair go out of the window. Huge emphasis on being productive and fitting in within the workplace. The disabled people are not given a fair go.

Disabled person union needs to be formed to give these people a voice. Equal rights for people with disabilities.

gb_Grendel writes...

Ahh but is that your mental age or mental attitude? I get the feeling you are quite bright enough.

I still watch Thomas the Tank Engine. I have the first 4 seasons on DVD.

I think that's enough said lol

It gets really hard some days, I just feel like screaming and crying and running away, but I can't because if I do my career is over. And then I'll be a failure. I have a mortgage to pay off, I can't afford to fail.

I've seen them all! Yup – screaming, crying and running away don't pay the mortgage – society seems to prefer that being an 'adult' comes with financial penalties or measures of success. I hope my own son (who has autism) can negotiate as well as you seem to.

gb_Grendel writes...

I hope my own son (who has autism) can negotiate as well as you seem to.

I've heard THAT before too lol.

One thing I've noticed with most Aspies and Auties is that they love to ham it up and do a little acting. Pretending that you're normal works most of the time, soon you learn to do it so that people think you're a little kooky but leave you alone. Then you come home and flop on the bed and think "Well, I did it again.".

You just pray for Friday all week...........and buy lots of lotto tickets LOL.

I watched a TEDTalks piece last night with Temple Grandin.

I found it very interesting when the 'host' asked her about the fact some parents worry if their Asperger's child loves them. Her response said a lot in my mind and it was along the lines of, "That child will be loyal and if the house is burning down they will get you out of it."

If anyone in here gets a chance to watch it, I would recommend it. It also goes to show what someone can achieve, regardless of the label that is attached to them.

"If by some magic, autism had been eradicated from the face of the earth, then men would still be socializing in front of a wood fire at the entrance to a cave."
— Dr. Temple Grandin

kezzstar writes...

Pretending that you're normal works most of the time
I was told once by someone I worked with who was diagnosed with Asperger's that he learnt 'social skills' like any other workplace skill. It was something that was practised and recalled, because it wasn't a natural part of his behaviour. He would sometimes pause for a moment and he explained it to me like looking through index cards in his head for an appropriate response to a given situation.

I think though, that's more 'our' problem than those who have Asperger's. Because we are so delicate that we just can't handle when someone doesn't respond in the way we might be expecting.

numonex writes...

Disabled person union needs to be formed to give these people a voice. Equal rights for people with disabilities. Couldn't agree more as someone who also have a disability I know what it's like to be screwed by employers, I laugh how everyone says that Australia is a land of opportunity for all & we like to give everyone a fair go well for disabled people that's not the case.

Mick writes...

I think though, that's more 'our' problem than those who have Asperger's. Because we are so delicate that we just can't handle when someone doesn't respond in the way we might be expecting.

Practise makes perfect I guess. I still draw mental blanks on most social situations though. So I just say something that sounds good and people usually just shrug at me. lol

Being happy a lot makes people warm to me a lot too.

casper1975 writes...

Couldn't agree more as someone who also have a disability I know what it's like to be screwed by employers, I laugh how everyone says that Australia is a land of opportunity for all & we like to give everyone a fair go well for disabled people that's not the case.

Exactly, Eversince completing my course fifteen months ago with distinction, having a doco shown on SBS about My Asperger's and my efforts on finding work, appearing on rockwiz in the same week, appearing in the news papers, having my radio station promoted in the Sydney papers, and all of this in the last 15 months, and not one single employer has contacted me.

I think I've handle the situation quite well with doing things, but admitfully I've let loose here the last few days, because I've become so fed up with the situation. The unrelenting defiance on any employer offering me anything makes me wonder if I have to climb mt everest to get noticed.

mate, if you were in brisbane i'd be on it trying to help you work .

having dealt with my own issues when I was a teenager, i expressed it through my work and i honestly believe that you'd be a brilliant worker – once you had the job.

The most I can do is offer my assistance should you get an interview -send me a message.

but for now, keep your head up. surely this thread can tell you that there are many people out there open minded and committed to hiring good workers, regardless of their situation.

numonex writes...

Employers like to kick the long term unemployed and disabled people. Un-Australian would be the correct term for it. A fair go should be given to all people regardless of their differences.
Change the record mate, we know you are a bludger who blames all his issues on everyone else rather than yourself, you have displayed that through your ever increasing negative posts. The reason long term unemployed stay unemployed isn't because employers are Un-Australian, it is because they are unable to show that they have done anything constructive in their time being unemployed. Do some volunteer work, join the SES, Rural fire service, St Johns ambulance any of these things will do absolute wonders for your job applications and social life. From now on please keep on topic, contribute something positive to the OP or jog on and troll somewhere else.

To the OP, keep trying mate, its good to see that even in the face of adversity you are not accepting defeat and you are still trying. Perhaps you should try applying for the public service? www.apsjobs.gov.au Some areas to try would be Bureau of Statistics or the Australian Electoral Commission, your fantastic ability of recall is bound to impress an employer eventually. Maybe a job with Australia Post? http://www.auspost.com.au/jobsatpost/nsw.htm

Mick writes...

I was told once by someone I worked with who was diagnosed with Asperger's that he learnt 'social skills' like any other workplace skill. It was something that was practised and recalled, because it wasn't a natural part of his behaviour.

Yes, thats exactly right.

Not knowing how to react in social situations, how to respond to certain questions\mannerisms etc. Even after learning these things, it still comes across as forced or awkward.

Its so stressful – I can't wait to get home and be myself, instead of being on edge, waiting for the next social encounter.

It feels very fake, and as another poster said, I pretend to be someone I'm not, just to get through the day as a "normal" person.

cupcakez writes...

Its so stressful – I can't wait to get home and be myself, instead of being on edge, waiting for the next social encounter.

It feels very fake, and as another poster said, I pretend to be someone I'm not, just to get through the day as a "normal" person.

It's a horrible feeling. The worst thing is, I have to act like that with my family as well as at work. I am so glad I am moving in with my (AS) fiancee as soon as this house is built!

Less panic attacks and tears all around.

The problem with this issue is that employers like to work with theory. Some of the best lines I've heard include; "If the person really wants a job, they can get one tomorrow", "they should just get more qualified", "they should look into doing something more viable", "they perhaps should look into doing something voluntary", and the best one, "you need to take a reality check and change your attitude".

In my case, I've done several voluntary jobs with good references, and courses, but I can keep doing this stuff till I'm black and blue and the face. The reality is, if an employer doesn't want to hire me, because of the colour of my skin, my eyes, even right down to the curve of my chin, we all know they don't have to note it, but they can simply fob you off with the excuse that he/she doesn't have that qualification. Yeah, hello! I'm talking about "discrimination".

I had some operations on my eyes when I was a baby, and the result was that part of my pupil was cut purposely through surgery, so I can see through my eyes. This makes my eyes look strange, and somehow I think makes employers run for their life.

Now, getting to the point, I think every employer should look at the below video from "Jane Elliott", and see how discrimination can destroy a persons soul, even just for the one day these children were subjected to the exercise, just watch how spiritually they are killed. Now just imagine being subjected to this for 30 years. :( This is perhaps the best lesson that anyone can watch in relation to human psychology.

Part 1 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BrFHq-t2VY&feature=related
Part 2 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UbNp15zDtE&feature=related
Part 3 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPIxU6_ClIM&feature=related
Part 4 of 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLEEJuHgnk4&feature=related

http://www.smh.com.au/national/remarkable-minds-just-waiting-for-work-20100319-qmad.html

The thing with high functioning mental disabilities a lot of the time is that the person loses something, but they gain something too. They're less suited for general tasks, but they can outperform everyone else in certain hyper-specialised tasks.

They shouldn't be ignored, they should be welcomed with open arms for the valuable contributions they can make to the society we all live in.

en312 writes...

http://www.smh.com.au/national/remarkable-minds-just-waiting-for-work-20100319-qmad.html

Thanks en312, great link.

tikalal writes...

The thing with high functioning mental disabilities a lot of the time is that the person loses something, but they gain something too. They're less suited for general tasks, but they can outperform everyone else in certain hyper-specialised tasks.

They shouldn't be ignored, they should be welcomed with open arms for the valuable contributions they can make to the society we all live in.

Exactly. In the nineties I used to camouflage both my disabilities. I would successfully get the interview when talking to someone over the phone. Even though I hid my asperger's, and didn't have a cane with me, the interviewers within minutes would ask about my eyes. Unless I walk around with my eyes shut, the cut mark in the bottom of my pupil will always be visable, and raise concern.

You could work for Pizza Hut, in the call centre. Not the most fantastic job though.

I used to be a shift supervisor there and compile all the national reports.

We had people with mental health issues, wheelchairs, even completely blind operators using JAWS (screen reading software). If you could do the job, you got the job. We then worked out ways to accommodate people. We also didn't follow the EBA/Award which states that if you have X% capacity you get paid X% of the normal hourly rate.

In fact, one of the blind operators I worked with there, was one of the best in the centre and it was extremely rare for her to make a mistake.

80sradio writes...

Yeah, hello! I'm talking about "discrimination".

The problem is that if it's going to cause difficulties with regular jobs, then everyone loses. Employment for people with Aspergus should be about emphasising what they've gained, not about putting up with what they've lost.

I totally agree that your situation really sucks, and it seems you are very motivated and trying to do whatever is possible to get a job.

I'm sure you have thought about this – but is there any opportunities you can see to start your own business? You are obviously courageous, intelligent, motivated, and skilled in many ways. Why rely on someone to employ you. Why not be your own employer? There may be grants available to get you started, also mentoring from other successful business people.

Mick writes...

I was told once by someone I worked with who was diagnosed with Asperger's that he learnt 'social skills' like any other workplace skill. It was something that was practised and recalled, because it wasn't a natural part of his behaviour. He would sometimes pause for a moment and he explained it to me like looking through index cards in his head for an appropriate response to a given situation.

Yes, I have Asperger's, and this is how it went for me. I'm 18 now, and had basically no social skills as a kid. It's not something that's easy to learn either, that's for sure. What seems easy to the rest of you, isn't easy for us. Through working with my primary school and later into high school, I developed these skills. It's certainly feels unnatural at times, very foreign in a lot of situations. Learning them by rote isn't as good as having them straight off the bat, becuase unless the situations are straight-forward and "text book" deciding how to react is a struggle, at least for me.

I think though, that's more 'our' problem than those who have Asperger's. Because we are so delicate that we just can't handle when someone doesn't respond in the way we might be expecting.

Exactly. Intolerance is a fantastic thing. Being apprehensive around people who are different to you doesn't make you a bigot or a bad person, it's perfectly natural to feel that way. But if people can't handle it when people don't "fit a mould" of how people should act, behave or whatever, even though the behaviour isn't necessarily bad, that's when it all gets shot down.

Mick writes...

I think though, that's more 'our' problem than those who have Asperger's. Because we are so delicate that we just can't handle when someone doesn't respond in the way we might be expecting.

I don't think it's a case of us being intolerant or delicate, or being the source of the problem. Our emotional responses to social cues are innate. People with Asperges are confusing to our automatic emotional responses as they appear normal and the social cues aren't perceived as coming from someone with a mental condition.

If someone was clearly crazy and started to give off odd social cues, you wouldn't be emotionally affected by it would you? People with Aspergus aren't crazy and they appear completely normal until they start giving off strange social cues.

Now that I know how to spot when someone has Aspergus, I don't ever feel offended or really emotionally affected at all by any odd social cues.

The situation isn't that we're intolerant, discriminatory or delicate. It's just unfortunate.

tikalal writes...

I don't think it's a case of us being intolerant or delicate, or being the source of the problem. Our emotional responses to social cues are innate. People with Asperges are confusing to our automatic emotional responses as they appear normal and the social cues aren't perceived as coming from someone with a mental condition.

If someone was clearly crazy and started to give off odd social cues, you wouldn't be emotionally affected by it would you? People with Aspergus aren't crazy and they appear completely normal until they start giving off strange social cues.

Now that I know how to spot when someone has Aspergus, I don't ever feel offended or really emotionally affected at all by any odd social cues.

The situation isn't that we're intolerant, discriminatory or delicate. It's just unfortunate.

Considering you can't even spell the name of the disorder correctly, I'm not at all surprised about how misinformed you actually are. Firstly, I'm going to unleash my inner spelling Nazi. It's Asperger's Syndrome (sometimes called Asperger's Disorder, since it's similar to Autistic Spectrum Disorder). It's called "Asperger's Syndrome" because the chap who identified it was Hans Asperger, a Finnish paediatrician (I think). </Grammar Nazi>

Yes, you are correct that in a lot of cases (self included), we appear to be what is the definition of normal. However, the disorder does indeed vary in intensity of different symptoms and severity. You can be socially awkward and not have Asperger's, that's a given. However by putting us into the "you don't look crazy" bin makes it seem to me as if you're trivialising the reality of the condition, and what people afflicted with such endure. You can't just slap a label on a group of people without getting your facts straight, which you clearly haven't done. It's not like a common cold, people have different symptoms of varying intensity, and thus, different needs. As much of a diagnostic nightmare as it is, and the tendency for doctors to be handing out diagnoses of it like the new ADD/ADHD (this was not the case when I was diagnosed, it was a very rare condition – and still is if you weed out many of the "alleged" cases that can be put down to merely not meeting a set social criteria of what is deemed normal – total bullshit in my opinion), simply putting everyone with the condition in the same basket is, intolerant and offensive at best. I'm a university student, however I recently undertook vacation employment in my field of study. Did I have any reason to tell my employer about it? Nope. It didn't affect my work performance. I don't have to deal with people (that's a big factor in a job for me, not because I can't do it, I've learned to, mainly because I hate it with a vengeance because people suck, no offence).

And no, you can't just "spot" someone with Asperger's. Most people don't know I have Asperger's, and those that do know either know me from when I was the batshit insane child with no social skills and no sense of empathy, or I've told them about it. I've not had anyone come up to me and go "Oh you're a little different, do you have Asperger's?". Most people nowadays just assume I'm a cynical, sarcastic, bumbling geek with a little bit too much of an appreciation for electronic things. If we put you off so much by our "normal appearance" and "strange social cues", well sorrrrrrry, but I disagree. It is exactly the issue brought up by another poster – delicacy of what's normal and what isn't, and total intolerance by people who think to exist everyone needs to come out of the same plastic mould.

The young lad here is obviously got a smart head on his shoulders

Can the collective whirlmind help this kid get a job?

Zaraphrax writes...

If we put you off so much by our "normal appearance" and "strange social cues", well sorrrrrrry

I'm not sure why you're so defensive, it's not as if I'm complaining here. I'm merely stating why communicating verbally with someone with Asperger's Syndrome can be confusing. I even said it's just an unfortunate situation, it's nobody's fault.

Considering you can't even spell the name of the disorder correctly, I'm not at all surprised about how misinformed you actually are.

It's a word that I have never had to spell before. It's not in my everyday vocabulary. I don't think there is anything wrong with misspelling a word that's not in everyday written communications if you use the right spelling when someone corrects you. Jumping on someone for the misspelling of one word is going too far. if some1 typs liek dis nd it afacts legibility then it's a different story.

However by putting us into the "you don't look crazy" bin makes it seem to me as if you're trivialising the reality of the condition, and what people afflicted with such endure. You can't just slap a label on a group of people without getting your facts straight, which you clearly haven't done.

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. When did I attempt to slap a label or trivialise a condition? You seem to be taking offence when none was intended. Also, I hope you don't think I meant "you don't look crazy but you are crazy".

simply putting everyone with the condition in the same basket is, intolerant and offensive at best.

When did I do that? If I'm going to post a small opinion about something I'm going to be talking generally about the generic basic case of it. Did I ever say that every person who had it was exactly the same, or that what I was saying strictly included everyone? No. Sorry if you interpreted it that way.

It is exactly the issue brought up by another poster – delicacy of what's normal and what isn't, and total intolerance by people who think to exist everyone needs to come out of the same plastic mould.

I hope you're not implying that I am part of that. I merely said that we have innate emotional responses to social cues, and sometimes people with Asperger's can confuse those.

Zaraphrax writes...

And no, you can't just "spot" someone with Asperger's.

You can guess if it's obvious. I have known two people who have it. In one of them it was quite obvious to me and in the other it's not at all. I'm not saying I have some sort of magical detector with 100% accuracy, or trying to trivialise it like you seem to think I am. In fact, there is no way I could ever tell that someone had Asperger's from written communication.

All I am saying is that I am more likely to realise that someone has Asperger's than to become confused and uncomfortable, and definitely that if I did know they had it then I wouldn't be intolerant of them or feel less comfortable around them. I'm fairly sure that's acceptance not intolerance.

kezzstar writes...

like walking on all fours. I don't do it in public, but it's still fun!

no offence, but you only have 2 legs, not 4.

Horses, Elephants, Lions have 4 legs each. We only have 2 legs.

*Absolutely no offence is intended by this post

tri400 writes...

no offence, but you only have 2 legs, not 4.

Horses, Elephants, Lions have 4 legs each. We only have 2 legs.

*Absolutely no offence is intended by this post

But..........but.............

Oh you normalies take all the fun out of everything :-P

OP, how are you with stimming? I've had the twitches all week. Makes it hard to type!

tri400 writes...

no offence, but you only have 2 legs, not 4.
Have you not had 'crawling' races? I still do with my 4 & 6 year-olds. Go all out at full pace across the grass. It's awesome, and I'm 'normal' lol. Okay, well I just realise maybe I'm not. :)

Mick writes...

ave you not had 'crawling' races?

I was just saying I have 2 legs, you have 2 legs, she has 2 legs, in response to her line that she likes to "walk on all 4"!

I have seen a classmate from Russia, who is into gymnastics and can do push-ups upside down on just 1 hand! Unreal body strength!

I have seen a guy on TV, walking up and down stairs on just his hands...amazing! Come to think of it now, he may have had Asperger's coz I think he said he liked doing it, so there you go...

Employers are discriminating against people with Aspergers Syndrome. Employers in Australia are the most inflexible but they complain about not having enough workers.

I believe Aspergers Syndrome should be recognised as a religion. Anyone who discriminates against us can burn in hell. Religion status would make it a hate crime to be intolerant towards Aspergers Syndrome.

I enjoy my own Aspie World. It beats living in the boring conformist world in which non Aspies are all sheep and they force their beliefs onto us. Non-Aspies want to cure us. Aspies do not want to be cured and conform to Non-Aspie ideologies.

Aspies are oppressed and it feels like the whole world is against us. You are forced to be a conformist/sheep or you will be judged by non-Aspies.

Aspies are best at working on our own. We do not like team work and BS politics. You need to be able to participate in BS politics in the Non-Aspie world.

I am an Aspie and I do not like really like people. People are not worth the time and effort. Non-Aspies judge people without even knowing you. Only God can judge people.

Become a programmer. You'll fit right in.

RobMate writes...

I do not like really like people. They are not worth the time and effort. Non-Aspies judge people without even knowing you. How dare they judge us. Only God can judge people.
That wins my award for most hypocritical post I've read today.

You already judged that you don't like people and that they are not worth your time and effort, yet hate to be judged yourself. Interesting.

RobMate writes...

I believe Aspergers Syndrome should be recognised as a religion. Anyone who discriminates against us can burn in hell.

RobMate writes...

It beats living in the boring conformist world in which non Aspies are all sheep and they force their beliefs onto us.

RobMate writes...

How dare they judge us. Only God can judge people.

What.

RobMate just PMed me with the same spiel. The most illogical thing I have read to be honest.

We're all stuck in this life together, we should work together to better the lives of everyone.

RobMate? your quip says it all.

JESU S writes...

RobMate? your quip says it all.

Yeah, and he's welcome to it.

I live in the real world, where everyone has to do things that they don't want to do. Including voting and jury duty.

RobMate writes...

Employers are discriminating against people with Aspergers Syndrome. Employers in Australia are the most inflexible but they complain about not having enough workers.

You complain that employers discriminate, and think that a new religion should be created – yet boast about you lack of enrollment on the electoral role, and that you never have or plan to vote.

You do release that a vote, can influence policy and laws which might enact change?

RobMate writes...

I enjoy my own Aspie World. It beats living in the boring conformist world in which non Aspies are all sheep and they force their beliefs onto us.

Non-Aspies judge people without even knowing you. Only God can judge people.

Did you not just "judge" all the "non-aspies" with your broad sweeping statements to begin with? Or are you adding being God to your list of positives of your "Aspie World".

I think you should read some of 80sradio's posts.

Yours sincerely,
A sheep.

webbj writes...

Yours sincerely,
A sheep.

Pretty intelligent for a sheep lol.

Now I feel like lamb chops.......mmmm lamb.

RobMate writes...

I enjoy my own Aspie World.

Anyone reading this thread who isn't an aspie -

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B5C2Ta2YGCfTYmRhOTliZTUtNjQ5ZC00MmNjLWJmYzItNWU5MjNlYzU4ZTc3&hl=en

(The aspies / autsies have probably read it already on one cache or another)

FAIL for the christian home-schooling "mom".

Sydney Garrie writes...

Anyone reading this thread who isn't an aspie -

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B5C2Ta2YGCfTYmRhOTliZTUtNjQ5ZC00MmNjLWJmYzItNWU5MjNlYzU4ZTc3&hl=en

(The aspies / autsies have probably read it already on one cache or another)

FAIL for the christian home-schooling "mom".

Oooooh, you have no idea. I have Aspie friends whose parents have 'defended' them their entire lives- "Johnny can't get a job, he has Aspergers syndrome and it would be horrible for him!", not seeing that they are ruining their children.

Just go around playing pub trivia or something

Hi 80's radio,

I have been following this thread for some time now.

I just want to say that although it has been frustrating for you, please don't give up.

You are obviously talented and determined, and this will get you a long way in life. If I had a suitable (or any!) vacant job, I would give you a shot simply for your perserverance.

I don't think that I am in a better position than you to offer advice, so as an outsider/stranger the only thing I can perhaps offer are some observations:

• it's still 'tough times' for Australian businesses.
• it takes time to find a job..remember reading several years ago (during "boom" times) that it takes the average job seeker 3 months to get a job. I guess that during quieter times, and with something more specialised (radio/broadcasting or similar, as opposed to "retail") it would take longer to find and get the right job.
• maybe ask yourself the question- "do I want an ideal job, or any job?" An ideal job is worth going after, but many of us find hard to land. Taking any job is usually a (big) compromise, but can offer unexpected benefits, eg- confidence, referees, chance to develop social and other skills, making contacts, etc. Keep in mind that the "any job" is a stepping stone to the "ideal job".
• as for social skills- what can I say? I know that social situations can cause much angst for "aspies" (I don't like using labels..especially as it implies that everyone with that label is the same, and can be lumped together in one group...I am very close to someone with this label, and can safely say that he is quite unique!) BUT, I don't think anyone truly has the social thing sorted... many without "the label" struggle for different reasons. (And, then there are another sort, who can be deliberately cruel, manipulative etc...the less said about them the better.) The experts say social skills can be learnt with a little perserverance, which makes sense because I doubt anyone is born with them. I think that's good news because many of us could brush up on them!
• reading through your posts, I see your expertise is in the radio/music history-trivia/broadcasting area. However, I also hear a strong voice of advocacy... perhaps this area is also worth considering for work? This is a really important area, and I am sure you have alot of first-hand experience that would be really useful. Or even a non-avocate role in an avocacy org- govt or non-profit..(in theory, should be a more supportive work environment).
• have you considered collecting some of your knowledge into a book/encyclopaedia of 80's music? Even a self-published one...this could also help with getting a job in the area, as the guy who wrote the book on the suject.

The main thing is...KEEP GOING! I'm sad to say that Australia isn't where it should be yet in terms of discrimination. We need to come a long way yet to learn how to value people's potential contributions and appreciate diversity...radio80's, keep educating us (as you have in this forum), keep your head up, and I am sure you will eventually get that ideal job...and perhaps challenge old ways of thinking in the process.

All the best!

------
PS: Sorry this post is so long.

kezzstar writes...

Oooooh, you have no idea

I think you have drawn the longest bow in the history of mankind there. Did you read the link or just shoot your mouth off?

What I will say is, people who have blogs about how sugary-sweet and fantastically in touch with God and their children they are, shouldn't say what she said about anybody else's child.
Even if that child has just trashed a school and raped the teacher.
Because the key tenets of christianity are forgiveness and acceptance.

Not that the most likely aspie child in the blog post did anything at all like that: all they did was fail to show patience well beyond her own age even for a neurotypical child (even "normal" 4-6 year olds might jump up & down in excitement before an activity they are looking forward to). But instead of show tolerance, understanding and forgiveness, she wrote an article on a blog which apparently is very widely read by the American white, christian, soccer-mom, homeschooling community (honestly, that seems to be the target demographic).

Sorry I hope this isn't too far off-topic, but tomorrow is Autism Awareness Day and this seems to be the biggest Autism story on Web 2.0 right now.

Sydney Garrie writes...

I think you have drawn the longest bow in the history of mankind there. Did you read the link or just shoot your mouth off?

No I read it. And I think I've missed the point again.........

KathACT writes...

PS: Sorry this post is so long

No, don't be sorry, it was an enjoyable read.. Although four months have past since you wrote it, I still check back here from time to time.

A new SupaBarn supermarket is about to open on President Ave here in old Sutherland town, and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to get a grocery stacking job. The task of packing and stacking tins of fruit, bottles of milk, packets of cerials, packets of crackers, and etc seems to be a rather simple job. Perfect, as it is routine, and after a while, I'll know where everything is stacked. My employment consultant spoke to the owner, but in absolute utter amazement, the owner went for the ultimate "cop out" line, to say that I was a "occupational health and safety" risk. Uh-hum, that pretty much sums up this guy's character.

I'm currently using the current hung parliament situation, to write off to key ministers about the plight of people with Asperger's. I noted the above scenario with that grocery store, yet on the other hand noted how they are businesses in Denmark and Scotland specially set up to employ people with Autism. I've written in my letters how "The Specialists" have successfully completed contracts for Cisco and MicroSoft. How the owner; Therkil Sonne has designed the work environment around the needs of people on the Autism spectrum.

I pretty much posed the question, why people with Asperger's are an asset in one country, but here in australia are looked upon as a waste of time and space? The fact the above mentioned place couldn't even give me a basic shelf stacking job stinks so much of discrimination, my friends said I should take them to the anti-discrimination board. But because there was no interview, and it was just the word of my employment consultant, I think I'd be wasting my time.

80sradio,

I wish you all the best in your job hunting. If I were a employer I would offer you a job right away but unfortunately I am not. Sorry if I am saying this because in the end are just mere words.

Good luck! :)

gesc writes...

Good luck! :)

Thanks for the encouragement. :)

might try this for your luck, currently they looking for graphic design using cat i think, well i'm working on another department so know little about this!

It's all about drawing/modifying model for jewellery casting.

Visit their web site for for email/contact details

http://www.canturi.com/

workshop is located in sydney-townhall

all the best *

Hi 80sradio, I have Asperger Syndrome too, and I share your experiences of frequently being judged, stereotyped and overlooked despite the skills that I have.

I'll be frank, the Australian government, and much of Australian society doesn't truly value people with neurological conditions (not physical ones), especially those with ASDs like us, some sort of apathetic "She'll be right, mate". In some ways being higher functioning on the Autism Spectrum is a double edged sword, you look more normal on the outside, but people place all their superficial neurotypical expectations on you and that if you can't satisfy it, then something must be wrong with you and that you're a deficient person, and then they start bullying you etc.

I don't think Autism is even covered under the Australian Disability Bill, so it means that employers are able to bully, reject and/or not place the appropriate accommodations for the ASD worker in the workplace. When I graduate, I too will be writing letters to members of parliament. The ASD issue is going to be bigger in 15-20 years' time, as currently 1 in 160 of the 6-12 year olds have been diagnosed with an ASD. When these kids go older, the whole lot of them are going to face discrimination, bullying, and lack of government support yada yada.

The government doesn't even value intelligent people in general (probably "Tall Poppy Syndrome"), just recently they're considering a $400 million cut in Medical/Science research over 3 years, despite spending billions on the NBN (*monopoly*) and all the other wasteful schemes. It's going to make Australia uncompetitive and backwards compared to other developed countries. The government has a lack of long term planning, but I guess they don't really care anyway, otherwise they wouldn't have considered these research cuts in the first place.

I personally believe that Asperger Syndrome and other ASDs are disabilities due to the degree of executive dysfunction (totally disregarding the alternate way of communicating), but that doesn't mean that they're totally incapable of work. In fact they'd be more suited to do jobs that have a fixed routine, involve lots of repetitive work and/or have little people contact.

There's very few resources for ASD adults in Victoria compared to children, but I can recommend "ALPHA AUTISM" as a government funded job search organization for ASD adults.

Good luck.

80sradio writes...

the owner went for the ultimate "cop out" line, to say that I was a "occupational health and safety" risk.

I'm beyond words...........this shows that this so-called manager/owner knows nothing about aspergers.

Klonopin13 writes...

I'll be frank, the Australian government, and much of Australian society doesn't truly value people with neurological conditions (not physical ones),

Being honest the govt and society don't value anyone with disabilities. They fail to consider our abilities and let the dis-ability speak louder. All we ask is For Pete's sake, give us a go

Zahira1 writes...

For Pete's sake, give us a go Very well said & I've been there & I know what it's like first hand when you are trying to find work but as soon as you tell them your disabled they just say thanks but no thanks.

The irony is that the Government knows that there are a lot of people who are scraping by on the Disability Pension (from Centrelink), yet won't provide the accommodations/facilities/laws to get them proper employment (NOT Sheltered-Workshop slave wages) which would decrease their reliance on government welfare.

Klonopin13 writes...

The irony is that the Government knows that there are a lot of people who are scraping by on the Disability Pension (from Centrelink), yet won't provide the accommodations/facilities/laws to get them proper employment (NOT Sheltered-Workshop slave wages) which would decrease their reliance on government welfare. If Tony Abbott has things his way many disabled people will end up In those sheltered workshops & these people have no rights when it comes to Industrial relations, Another thing about those workshops is that the organisations which employ them are able to say they are charities & that's one of the reason they are paid something like $2.00 a hour.

casper1975 writes...

If Tony Abbott has things his way many disabled people will end up In those sheltered workshops & these people have no rights when it comes to Industrial relations, Another thing about those workshops is that the organisations which employ them are able to say they are charities & that's one of the reason they are paid something like $2.00 a hour.

Precisely, while I do understand why Tony Abbott wants the "Work for the Dole" system to occur, I believe he's doing it the wrong way. By employing people to work for the dole/Disability Pension, it creates a 2-tier system where the 1st group is normal wages, and the 2nd group (unemployed/disabled) are on slave wages. The better solution would be to provide training and accommodations so they can work in jobs that provide a much more sustainable income.

I know of a guy with Asperger's who has severe executive dysfunction, so he needs to work in a place with very strict routine and lots of repetitive activities. He got placed into a SHELTERED WORKSHOP putting labels on bottles, and he gets paid $4.00/hour.

The organizations have vested interests in maintaining the status quo, coz the people working in these sheltered workshops are a *legal* cheap source of labour. Totally disgraceful, considering that they're going under the label of a "charity organization".

What is even more insulting is that if they work more than 15 hours/week (I think) under those slave wages, then their Disability Pension starts getting deducted : ( : ( : (

At the way Politicians mess around with immigration/infrastructure/property/healthcare/disability rights, I think Australia will become closer to America in terms of a widening gap between the rich and the poor, the "haves" and the "have-nots".

Klonopin13 writes...

Precisely, while I do understand why Tony Abbott wants the "Work for the Dole" system to occur, I believe he's doing it the wrong way. By employing people to work for the dole/Disability Pension, it creates a 2-tier system where the 1st group is normal wages, and the 2nd group (unemployed/disabled) are on slave wages. The better solution would be to provide training and accommodations so they can work in jobs that provide a much more sustainable income. That's the thing that concerns me the most people either don't know or couldn't care less about the disabled & how much they actually get paid In these workshops, Everyone goes on saying how Australia is a fantastic country & they are willing to give people a fair go this is totally false as far as I'm concerned It's a load of rubbish. Another thing I find infuriating is that these disabled organisations who say they help the disabled Integrate In the community is a lie & I know this first hand & sadly the public are fooled by it.

Having a disability I was Involved with one of these organisations & they basically hold you back by only letting you associate with your own kind In terms of social activities, This organisation also operates sheltered workshops & my heart goes out to these poor workers who will never have a future & are only existing & not living.

.dan!el writes...

Don't let Asperger's become a self-applied label. You are not an Asperger's person, but rather, a person with Asperger's Syndrome.

Very good advice.

You need to see your weaknesses as weaknesses, not as things that define you.

Take advantage of every strength you have (however small) and use them to market yourself.

No one owes you anything, but everything you achieve is yours.

80's Music,

I come from a family with strong Aspie tendencies. My 14 year-old-son is diagnosed, and I worry about him getting (and keeping) a job in the future.

I would have a look at Government Jobs, local, state and National.

Other than this, if I was you, I would send out your resume to as many places as you can afford the postage. I would be honest and include info about your Aspergerness in your cover letter. This will let them know what they are in for, in case difficulties arise later. Some people (as I'm sure you know) do not understand people with Aspergers AT ALL, other people do.

Another thought is- have you thought about teaching?

I am currently studying to be a Special Ed teacher myself, and another idea is to contact some of your local lecturers, that specialise in the area of disabilities or Special Education. They may have some suggestions as to what support services or avenues you can take.

All the best with your job hunting.

Hey 80's radio

Apologies if I've repeated something others have said (other than good luck!) I have some suggestions

1. Maybe set yourself up as a freelance MC/DJ at clubs. You'd be on stage, not in the crowd AFAIK. Could do your own posters. Plus if it's ALL 80's music, I reckon you'd know heaps about the demo scene and original electronic music.....so ravers would love your gear!
2. I'm pretty sure others would have pointed out that those Job Network providers are pretty useless for non pickers and packers. My JNP even said they'd be useless to me because I've got a degree (and yet I have to listen to their crap all the time). So don't stress, not everything is because of Aspergers. Most of it is probably red tape and a lack of imagination on the part of the system.
3. Try looking up "Art on the Dole" blog they have tips for artists and musos who are on the dole and might be able to help. One cool tip was asking the JNP to set up their computers so you can look up "ArtsHub", which is like a job website for cultural workers
4. Also try the Welfare Rights Centre for legal tips, you may be able to get some kind of leniency with how much jobs you can apply for. This isn't to curb your enthusiasm for job hunting its more so you don't stress as much about it.
5. Actually there are stacks of artsy-muso sites popping up. Try ANAT, Jump, The Program, Australia Council.
6. When all else fails, volunteer. If you're interested in MC/DJ work (perhaps building up to other work) the inner city pub and gallery scenes are big on music these days
7. With Spicks and Specks, maybe sign up as an audience member for Gordon Street Tonight instead, or use their twitter thing to promote yourself. Adam Hills seems like an awesome awesome person in general and the show is very friendly to audience members as well. So like if you were in the audience and you answered one of their interesting questions....who knows what would happen next....maybe you'd be quizzed on your uncanny knowledge.....

Best wishes
another unemployed artistic person

Edit: the internet is a massive resource these days, it's heaps better than it was when I first left school. you probably have mastered it better than me. last.fm comes to mind. internet radio. podcast, maybe your own podcast? / blog? look up transmedia if your not already familiar, i reckon you'd ace it.

Klonopin13 writes...

What is even more insulting is that if they work more than 15 hours/week (I think) under those slave wages, then their Disability Pension starts getting deducted : ( : ( :

No, try cancelled – yep that's right somehow we are meant to survive on just 15hrs a week. One might, if you lived under a bridge or in a tent on the river

-they cancel it if you show that you are able to work sustainably

Preety easy living on 15 hours a week when your also getting the pension, hell i just live on 15 hours a week.

So the pension pays $360 per week in
plus you get $450-600 a week from working 15 hours

Which means your making $420 from the pension in a fortnight

Plus your getting $900-$1200 from working 15 hours a week

So your total after tax is around $1200-1500 a fortnight or $600-750 a week.

Personally I think thats plenty, though if your thoroughly disabled like really bad it can be hard as you won't be able to work.

**When you work you get deductions from your pension if you didnt work you'd get $720.

jeracoo writes...

Preety easy living on 15 hours a week when your also getting the pension, hell i just live on 15 hours a week.

So the pension pays $360 per week in
plus you get $450-600 a week from working 15 hours

Which means your making $420 from the pension in a fortnight

Plus your getting $900-$1200 from working 15 hours a week

So your total after tax is around $1200-1500 a fortnight or $600-750 a week.

Personally I think thats plenty, though if your thoroughly disabled like really bad it can be hard as you won't be able to work.

**When you work you get deductions from your pension if you didnt work you'd get $720.

Um jeracoo I think you miscalculated.

Approx $720 / fortnight is the Disability pension, so that means $360 / week.

Annual Disability Pension is $720 x 26 = $18720

In the ultimate fantastical situation, if a disabled person was so lucky to get a job paying $25 / hr , and they were working for 15 hours / week, that'd be $25 x 15 = $375

Assuming they work ALL 52 weeks of the year, that'd be $375 x 52 = $19500

So in the ultimate fantastical situation, this disabled person would earn a total of $18720 + $19500 = $38220 PRE-TAX which is so-so-ish.

THE PROBLEM IS THAT SOCIETY DOESN'T PROPERLY VALUE DISABLED PEOPLE, AND THAT IT'S SO HARD FOR THEM TO GET SUCH PROPERLY PAID JOBS IN THE FIRST PLACE, EVEN IF THEY WERE QUALIFIED. CONSTANT JOB DISCRIMINATION, BEING REJECTED FOR SUPERFICIAL THINGS, EMPLOYERS UNWILLING TO BOTHER PROVIDE ACCOMMODATIONS. HENCE MANY OF THEM REMAIN UNEMPLOYED, DO UNPAID VOLUNTEERING, OR WORK IN THOSE HORRIBLE LEGAL SWEAT SHOPS ON SLAVE WAGES.

That person with Asperger's that I know of who's on the Pension and working in the sheltered workshop labelling bottles, he gets paid $4 / hour. And he works 15 hours/week.

Let's see: $18720 (Dis. Pension) + (4 x 15 x 52) = $21840 , STILL BELOW THE POVERTY LINE!!!

As casper1975 said, these disabled people are only existing (scraping by) and not living.

It's disgraceful that the government even allows such sweat shops to legally exist in the first place! :(

Due to the most recent reply I came upon this thread firstly mate congrats for getting out there

as for your points

6. On a realistic evaluation of my self, I guess employers are scared, because they see someone with Asperger's and a visual impairment as a potential OH&S nightmare, though that would only be them jumping to conclusions at best.

7. Also being honest, I know my limitations where team jobs, tight deadlines, and fast paced work places are no go. However library jobs, scanning, photocopying, graphic design, word processing, and light packing jobs would be right up my alley. A routine job is best suited to an Asperger's Syndrome person.

i completely agree as someone who lives with Asperger's syndrome and a physical limitation I understand where your coming from.... the job market is rather difficult these days its also worse for people with a DIFFERENCE OF ABILITY and that disability employment services have no idea what they are dealing with ...

I too have a lot of social issues (so id rather not do customer service work) for that reason i have issues with constant face to face people contact ... but saying that I'm not the most people oriented person but i'm a get in and get the job done person so an employer really should appreciate that mentality I have lol...

anyways I really honestly hope you get something and you have honestly given me some hope in the long run that I'm not on my own .... I understand there are other people in similar situations but as I'm not the most social person I don't get to have contact with them

Klonopin13 writes...

It's disgraceful that the government even allows such sweat shops to legally exist in the first place! :(

GAH! Tell me about it. But guess what, in some cases, this is the award wage, meaning the government does allow it. Why? They pay less, and this works well for the government (employment statistics are higher, pensions are lower).

By the way, it's a bit of a generalisation to assume that all people with psychiatric conditions are disabled, or that all people with disabilities are ripped off. Don't get me wrong, the being ripped off a lot more common than for so called "norms"....and often quite subtle.

But typically people with intellectual disabilities (like Downs Syndrome) get ripped off more. It's quite disgusting. The person might not be entitled to much legally in the first place (if under a specific "supported employment program" – read, slavery) and then, even if the 'boss' isn't completely evil, they might still screw them over, but it's hard to communicate the entitlements and actions required with a person who is severely intellectually disabled, as may be the case with someone who has Downs Syndrome. So basically, it's also difficult to understand when they have a problem and what it is, and therefore act on their behalf if need be. So the problem continues in a vicious cycle of discrimination.

What we really need is respect for all states of mental health, and a genuine desire to be accommodating for the needs of all people. Sometimes people are ill, sometimes people are just different from percieved norms. But this ripping people off business and labeling everyone left right and centre is ridiculous.

So back to OP, screw what anyone thinks of you mate, live a life that makes you happy and gives you fulfillment. It could be different from what you think you're capable of, or it could be the same but doesn't matter, just follow your dreams

We're egging you on!

This thread makes me so angry. At my last employer, Myer, I met a guy with Autism who had been at the the same location (it had changed actual shops several times) for 39 years. He owned his own place and was self sufficient, and really required his routine as most do. Overall he's one of the nicest guys I know and easily the hardest working. I like to see people given a chance and I wish I could do more for those getting the bums rush from employers.

I heard they also suspect Kevin Rudd has mild Aspergers. My friend's son has Aspergers. Lovely kid. Definately employable people.

Ballzieee writes...

I heard they also suspect Kevin Rudd has mild Aspergers. My friend's son has Aspergers. Lovely kid. Definately employable people.

I've also heard that some people think that Isaac Newton had Asperger's Syndrome. Not to mention that Abraham Lincoln had depression and Roosevelt was in a wheelchair..... Or the numerous other people that fundamentally changed the world in every other pursuit that had some other condition.

User 421026 writes...

I've also heard that some people think that Isaac Newton

Wow I never knew my great great great great grandfather has Aspergers? :-) Its something about being more analytical... Yes tend to be less socially driven but see patterns that others dont. You could call it a gift in some cases?

Ballzieee writes...

I heard they also suspect Kevin Rudd has mild Aspergers

User 421026 writes...

Roosevelt was in a wheelchair

Just goes to show that disability should never stand in the way of destroying the country.