Roger N. Meyer - Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook: An Employment Workbook for Adults with Asperger Syndrome

This book is dedicated to the memory of Melvin .B. Goldberg, my closest friend from high school and college. A giant of a man in every way, Mel's love of the law, his passion for teaching and unrequited search for truth, justice, and human dignity enriched the lives of all he touched.

Chapter 1 25

Chapter 2 28

Chapter 3 55

Chapter 4 70

Chapter 5 84

Chapter 6 88

Chapter 7 93

Chapter 8 98

Roger Meyer is someone who understands the unusual profile of abilities of adults with Asperger Syndrome from personal experience and meticulous study. He was diagnosed relatively late in life and his employment workbook is based on his own work history and the observations and detailed analysis of over 200 adults who have written their employment biographies. The workbook was designed to be read by an adult with Asperger Syndrome and is written in the style of a conversation between author and reader. Roger states `My interest lies in helping you understand how you arrive at your own decisions'. Completing the workbook is a private journey of discovery that will enable the reader to identify and understand their strengths and weaknesses, resolve issues in their work history and outline a plan for a more successful future.

We have several publications on strategies to help children with Asperger Syndrome at school but Roger's workbook is the seminal publication for adults in the workplace. 'The challenges faced by such individuals do not end when they leave school, and the development of employment skills and vocational guidance should commence in early adolescence and continue throughout the person's working life. Their profile of abilities can include attributes such as an extensive knowledge base, reliability and attention to detail but a difficulty coping with change, the interpersonal aspects of the position and an unusual learning style. New research is suggesting that adults with Asperger Syndrome can achieve, maintain and succeed in a wide range of occupations but the first step on the journey is to identify their qualities and areas that need to be addressed. This workbook provides that first step.

We recognize the value of work not simply as a source of income for financial independence, but also as a means of improving our self-image, contributing to our community and providing opportunities for social experiences. People with Asperger Syndrome often define themselves primarily by their occupation and interests, i.e. what they do in a practical sense rather than their social network. Unemployment or misery in their job has a devastating effect on their quality of life, self-image and mood. Work circumstances can be a cause of depression, anxiety and anger that require psychological intervention and medication. Improving the person's work circumstances can have a beneficial effect for the individual, their family, colleagues and employer as well as contributing to an improvement in their productivity.

The first part of the workbook provides a review of our knowledge of Asperger Syndrome and aspects relevant to employment. The description of the learning and social profile is particularly illuminating. The reader identifies the characteristics that are applicable to their own profile of abilities as part of the process of self-discovery to make better decisions. However, once the person recognizes their differences, they are faced with the dilemma of disclosure. Who do you inform? How much do you reveal? And what are the likely consequences? Roger outlines the diagnostic process, issues related to disclosure and the importance of self-advocacy. His role is that of a mentor, providing information on employment law, social skills, learning and work styles, conditions associated with Asperger Syndrome as well as special skills and interests.

Roger is a cabinetmaker and his skills are apparent in the meticulous detail and quality of workmanship he provides in the instructions for the employment biography provided in Part 2 of the workbook. He carefully guides the reader through the various stages in completing their employment biography, anticipating their questions and providing answers and examples. Gradually the reader discovers their pattern of abilities, appropriate strategies and accommodations they have used in the past and is helped to develop a comprehensive plan to improve their current and future work.

Although the book is written as a personal self-help manual, it is also designed as a resource for conventional training and employment services. The workbook can also be used by high school teachers preparing the adolescent for the transition between school and work and employment and vocational counselors who are assisting the person to determine an appropriate career and employer. Management and personnel staff will benefit from the information when reviewing deployment and promotion with the person with Asperger Syndrome. It is also a valuable resource for a parent or partner to facilitate wise decisions that will affect the family, and for clinicians who recognize the importance of the person's employment circumstances as a significant factor contributing to their quality of life and mood. Completing Roger Meyer's Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook starts a journey of self-discovery that will have a beneficial effect for all of us.