Michael John Carley - Unemployed on the Autism Spectrum: How to Cope Productively with the Effects of Unemployment and Jobhunt with Confidence

If youre looking for a book filled with fluffy platitudes promising an easy path toward employment for people on the spectrum, this isnt the read for you. But if youre a hopeful realist who wants counsel on how to deal with the ups and downs of unemployment (yes, there are ups, as Carley will point out); encouraging guidance on how to believe in and achieve your own highest potential; pragmatic direction for building a strong background and dossier; and loads of helpful ideas for finding your way through the maze of hoops between unemployed and employed; then you have found the very book you are looking for!

Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal and Safety Skills for Asperger Women

Michael John Carley has long been a champion and respected leader in addressing quality of life and mental health needs of persons on the autism spectrum. In this book, he goes at one of the most challenging issues that is sadly all too common for spectrumites, but does so with practical advice from his first hand experiences as an unemployed autistic person, and as a support for so many others. In a highly respectful, personal and intimate manner, Michael wisely addresses the absolute priorities of emotional well-being and living a healthy lifestyle as inseparable from seeking employment. Infused with poignant quotes and anecdotes from many autistic people, this book is a call to action, and provides specific guidelines to motivate readers to take control and make positive changes in their lives. Thanks to Michaels deep wisdom and generosity, this book will help countless individuals transform their lives for the better.

Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, author of Uniquely Human

If you are on the autism spectrum, or care about someone who is, then you really should read this book. However, if you are among those of us diagnosed as typical, then you NEED to read this book. Why? Because in Michael Carley will introduce you to a vast, untapped workforce of people who just may be your next essential employee and who, simply by you taking that first step toward understanding neurodiversity, may well change both your lives for the better.

Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D, President, Peter Gerhardt Associates, LLC

Unemployed on the Autism Spectrum should be required reading for every person as they enter their adult lives, not just individuals diagnosed with autism. It is like having an older, worldly brother provide guidance, support and encouraging ideas as one journeys on the obstacle course to employment. Filled with facts, personal anecdotes and a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum, Michael John Carley has written a highly readable resource not only for those on the autism spectrum, but for all who seek to better understand and employ them.

Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive Director, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adult Autism

As the Executive Director and CEO of both Gateway Academy/Spectrum College Transition Program and a mother of a 23-year-old Aspie, I found Michaels perspective and insight more than enlightening. It was encouraging and informative! In my experience, the most difficult time for Aspies is after they have completed their post-secondary education, and the thought of securing a job disables them. As someone who walks in their shoes, Michael offers a unique perspective and understanding. We will be making this book mandatory in our post-secondary program. Thank you, Michael!

O. Robin Sweet, Executive Director and CEO,Gateway Academy

A tremendously valuable resource, this volume addresses an important and rarely discussed issue. As with all of us individuals on the autism spectrum often face issues of employment and best approaches to finding new jobs. This volume brings considerable insight into the issue of employment for persons with Aspergers and higher functioning autism. Full of practical and useful advice, it will be an immense help to those seeking to enter the work force.

Fred R Volkmar, M.D., Irving B. Harris Professor Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Editor in Chief, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

UNEMPLOYED ON THE
AUTISM SPECTRUM

forthcoming by Michael John Carley

Why Am I Afraid of Sex?

ISBN 978 1 84905 735 6

eISBN 978 7 8450 220 1

of related interest

Turning Skills and Strengths into Careers for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The BASICS College Curriculum

Michelle Rigler, Amy Rutherford and Emily Quinn

ISBN 978 1 84905 798 1

eISBN 978 1 78450 096 2

Aspergers Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide

A Neurotypicals Secrets for Success

Barbara Bissonnette

Foreword by Yvona Fast

ISBN 978 1 84905 943 5

eISBN 978 0 85700 807 7

The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Aspergers Syndrome

Find the Right Career and Get Hired

Barbara Bissonnette

ISBN 978 1 84905 921 3

eISBN 978 0 85700 692 9

UNEMPLOYED

ON THE AUTISM

SPECTRUM

How to Cope Productively with the Effects of
Unemployment and Jobhunt with Confidence

MICHAEL JOHN CARLEY

Foreword by
Brenda Smith Myles, Ed.D.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers
London and Philadelphia

First published in 2016

by Jessica Kingsley Publishers

73 Collier Street

London N1 9BE, UK

and

400 Market Street, Suite 400

Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

www.jkp.com

Copyright Michael John Carley 2016

Foreword copyright Brenda Smith Myles 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright owner except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, Saffron House, 610 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. Applications for the copyright owners written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher.

Warning: The doing of an unauthorised act in relation to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for damages and criminal prosecution.

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Names: Carley, Michael John, author.

Title: Unemployed on the autism spectrum / Michael John Carley ; foreword by

Brenda Smith Myles.

Description: Philadelphia : Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016. | Includes

bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2015031651 | ISBN 9781849057295 (alk. paper)

Subjects: LCSH: Aspergers syndrome--Patients--Employment. | Aspergers

syndrome--Patients--Vocational guidance. | Aspergers syndrome.

Classification: LCC RC553.A88 C375 2016 | DDC 616.85/8832--dc23 LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015031651

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 978 1 84905 729 5

eISBN 978 1 78450 158 7

In thanks,

For NewPicketFence: Ned, Trish, Linda, Hal, and Kathryn

For the 25 who contributed herein

For every member of GRASP

And for my first bosses, Manny at the ProJo, and Left-Eddy at Margaritas Jewelry.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

by Brenda Smith Myles, Ed.D.

I have always admired Michael John Carley. However, after reading this book twicesomething I rarely dohe is now one of my heroes. Unemployed on the Autism Spectrum: How to Cope Productively with the Effects of Unemployment and Jobhunt with Confidence is an amazing book that goes far beyond employment. Anyone on (or off) the spectrum who is seeking to find their place in the world should read and contemplate this books message. Its information about finding and keeping a job is simply excellent.