Asperger’s syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder and, as such, people with Asperger’s syndrome display behaviours and experience similar difficulties to people with autism.

Asperger’s syndrome is often referred to as higher functioning autism since a person with Asperger’s syndrome shares similar traits to those with autism but does not typically have an intellectual impairment. They may also have exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. As a result, people with Asperger’s syndrome are often viewed as eccentric or odd, which can have an effect on personal relationships, as well as employment.

Symptoms and characteristics:

People with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulties with social skills, transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They may have a great deal of difficulty reading another person’s body language and very often people with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty determining proper personal space, for example standing too close to someone.

People with Asperger’s syndrome are often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells and sights. They may prefer soft clothing, certain foods and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. Many of the behaviours that seem odd or unusual are due to neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness.

Workplace adjustments and solutions:

For specific workplace information relating to assisting individuals in the workplace with asperger’s syndrome or autism, please follow the link:

• How to support job seekers with autism

There are adjustments and solutions for the following job requirements:

• dealing with stress and psychological demands
• interacting with others
• managing emotions at work
• organisation and time management

(Autism Spectrum Australia 2005; Autism Association of Western Australia Inc. (no date specified); Autismhelp 2004)

Case studies and success stories:

For employers and managers:

• Australian Public Service—Free on the job support benefits all Centrelink employees

For job seekers and employees:

• Asperger's syndrome—No barriers to Leigh's public service career

For co-workers:

• Asperger's syndrome—Centrelink buddy system teaches staff new skills

For service providers:

• Asperger's syndrome—Practical solutions for managing emotions and communicating at work

References:

Autism Association of Western Australia Inc. (no date specified), Brochure: Asperger syndrome, Autism Association of Western Australia Inc., Perth, viewed 6 March 2009, <http://www.autism.org.au/BROCHUREASPERGER%20SYNDROME.pdf>.

Autism Spectrum Australia 2005, What is Autism?, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Sydney, viewed 6 March 2009, <http://www.aspect.org.au/about%20autism/whatis.asp>.

Autismhelp 2004, Autismhelp.info, Autismhelp, Melbourne, viewed 6 March 2009, <http://www.autismhelp.info/main.htm>.