I have heard varying alarming statistics on the unemployment rate in the ASD population and it always amazes me that it is so high. It means that a large resource pool is left untapped.
While not in the same category it does remind me of the tremendous unemployment faced by African-Americans and Women at various times in American history. From a sheer economic sense the more labor resources you have employed the better off the economy is.
I applaud the efforts of companies like Aspiritech, Specialisterne and Uzmanlar in attempting to employ ASD folk but I wonder if we should not broaden our horizons. Artistic, Quantitative and Analysis work is well within the realm of possibilities I wonder what the response would be if I posted an ad saying "Asperger's Friendly Think Tank".
This whole thought process came up because I recently read a couple of resumes from Aspies who were well educated, bright and had a resume littered with jobs that were not even close to their abilities. It makes me sad to see that and compels me to do more.
It is a universal problem, Does not spare anyone.
ReplyDeleteTrue but I find 85% unemployment for the ASD population to be substantially larger than that for the general population.
ReplyDeleteI'm 49 years old, have Asperger's syndrome and am still looking for my first job; I doubt I'll ever be successful though.
ReplyDeleteLee, I am sorry to hear that. Have you considered starting your own business?
ReplyDeleteI've been out of work over five years. Temp agencies will give me one aasignment and then never call me back.
ReplyDeleteI've actually seriously thought about starting a think tank that concentrates, at least initially, on employing or partnering with those with Asperger's or those that I would say have Asperger's blended with other traits. I haven't entered a formal planning phase. And I'm not yet sure I would ever execute. But I've thought about it. So, your off-handed comment was interesting to me. Cheers.
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