Aspergians can be great employees
Jul 29, 2008 @ 12:00 AM
The Herald-Dispatch
Asperger's syndrome causes more stress to the "Aspie" than it does to his or her co-workers.
The differences between Aspergians and neurotypicals, or people with brain functions typical of the majority of the population, can sometimes make for unnecessary conflict in the workplace. But with a little education and understanding, both sides can be happy and productive
With the recent explosion of information about autism/Asperger's syndrome, many busy employers are hearing bits of research and may be forming an incomplete picture in their minds of the sort of jobs that are best suited for someone suffering from a disorder on the "autism spectrum disorder." ASD includes a wide range of diagnosese including Asperger's syndrome, autism and pervasive developmental disorder. Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is 3 years old. Other disorders on the spectrum, such as Asperger's, are milder.
It has been said that if Asperger's syndrome did not exist, neither would the Internet, or computers for that matter. This poses the question "What did Aspergians do before the computer was invented?" The answer is nearly everything. They designed and built telescopes, steam engines, light bulbs, telephones and automobiles. They created works of art such as Mt. Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty. They created graceful buildings that we admire to this day.
A lot of the recent reports would make many folks think that people on the spectrum are only useful in narrow areas of machinery and mathematics. This is not so. The belief that all people with ASDs are unable to communicate well is completely false. Many people on the spectrum are authors, editors and speech writers. It is true that for many, small talk can be difficult, but an employer may be pleasantly surprised to discover that their new employee has done a great deal of reading on the subject of how to get along in the workplace with all sorts of people. A great many Aspergians are careful and diplomatic, preferring to avoid giving opinions on politics, race or religion. Knowing full well how incendiary these topics can be, many are loathe to discuss them at work.
The office cookie exchange or birthday party can be a hurdle. Many people on the spectrum have sensitivities to different foods, and with the addition of singing, games and carousing, they may feel overwhelmed.
It is common for neurotypicals to form cliques in the workplace, lunching together, carpooling and even visiting each other's homes. Many people on the spectrum understand the need that "NTs" have to do this, but prefer not to get emotionally involved with their co-workers.
Many "Aspies" are married with children to support and prefer to relax after work with their families. Any experienced manager can tell you that office friendships sometimes dissolve, leading rapidly to gossip and often sabotage of the co-worker's tasks. This may be entertaining for a few neurotypicals who see their employer as a sort of high school principal, but many Aspies can see the big picture: enough monkey business and soon there's no business.
People on the spectrum who grew up wanting to fit in have often studied etiquette. They are reserved about discussing their personal lives and are surprised sometimes by probing questions their co-workers may ask about an Aspie's spouse, children, or background. Often, they hesitate to answer because they are afraid of boring the co-worker. People on the spectrum often greatly enjoy quiet hobbies that NTs would find dull.
So, if you are in a position to hire someone, please don't assume that people with ASDs are only good at one narrow field. It is true that their brains are "wired differently," but if treated fairly without condescension, an employee on the spectrum can be a valuable and innovative asset to the workplace with a desire to do expected tasks in the most efficient, effective and cost-productive way possible.
Kathy Ferrell is an illustrator born in Huntington and still residing here. Her Asperger's syndrome became evident during her preschool years when she demonstrated her drawing skill, intense focus, recall and voice mimicry, among other symptoms. Her art work has been published in a wide variety of books and magazines, in both the U.S. and abroad.
5 years ago
