ASPERGER'S SYNDROME
A VERY BRIEF WORKPLACE INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS IT?
Asperger's * Syndrome is part of the autistic spectrum. It is a lifelong disorder which affects the personality and the ability to relate with other people. Asperger people have difficulty in understanding the rules of the rest of the world. They can be amicable, are usually intelligent, but they are frequently frustrating. Over 80% of sufferers are male.
WHAT IT ISN'T!
It's not a learning disability. Mental health services don't class it as a mental illness, either.
WHAT SYMPTOMS MAY YOU SEE?
Poor eye contact. Doesn't easily follow a conversation. May look angry (in fact, anxious!). Seems self-centred. A little physical clumsiness. Sometimes, very active senses – e g ‘supertasters'. Often, an obsessive interest.
WHAT'S THE EFFECT ON LIFE?
Loneliness, and isolation. Anxiety.
SO WHAT HAPPENS THEN?
Next to no friends. Very often, no job. Getting angry.
HOW MANY?
In Worcestershire, 200 diagnosed adults; probably 3x that number with different/ no diagnosis.
WHAT'S THE TREATMENT?
There is no medication or effective psychiatric treatment.
WHAT SERVICES ARE THERE IN WORCESTERSHIRE?
None at present – but pressure is growing on the CC/PCT to provide facilities as legally required.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Be interested. Be patient - BE VERY PATIENT. Be precise. Encourage calmness. Offer a clear, timed, dependable structure to work in.
* Note: you pronounce the ‘g' in ‘Asperger' hard, as in ‘finger'.
GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WORKING WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS ASPERGER SYNDROME, AND FOR EMPLOYERS/ EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
BE CONSISTENT |
An Asperger sufferer will find it inexplicable and hard to accept if you show great changeability – no ‘bad hair days' allowed! |
BE MODERATE |
He/ she will react badly if you show extremes of emotion – no strong criticism, no excesses of enthusiasm advised! |
BE LITERAL |
Irony or sarcasm will be misunderstood – best say exactly what you mean! |
BE THOUGHTFUL |
Your Asperger colleague may have extreme sensations of light, sound, smell and taste – make allowances for someone special! |
BE SENSITIVE |
Aspergers have all had difficulty and disappointments in friendships – remember you are dealing with someone lonely and often unhappy! |
BE TOLERANT |
You are working with someone who has great difficulty interacting with the rest of the world – dig deep in your fund of patience! |
BE WARE
|
You may not hold a grudge – but he will! |
BE SUPERHUMAN |
If you manage most of this, you are making a massive contribution to a special and interesting person's life in society. Smile, and he'll smile with you. |
THE WAY IN WHICH ASPERGER'S EFFECTS PEOPLE IS VERY INDIVIDUAL. SEEK OUT WHAT HELPS/ HINDERS YOUR OWN CLIENT.
ON ONE AND THE SAME DAY, YOU MAY HAVE FRUSTRATING MOMENTS
AND
YOUR NICEST MOMENT!
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