Declaring Asperger syndrome as a disability on job application forms?

anewman

I was hoping people who have knowledge of or had experienced issues around people with Asperger syndrome getting employment could help. My general experience has been I have applied for jobs (without mentioning Asperger syndrome), got interviews and employers seemed quite enthusiastic and impressed with my applications - but the interviews go like a lead balloon due to my weak social interaction/verbal communication skills.

The most interesting definition I have seen an employer give of a disability on their application forms to date is: -

The term ‘disability’ applies to people with a condition which may cause them to be disadvantaged in obtaining or keeping employment that would be suited to their experience and qualifications.

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to mention Asperger syndrome on application forms in the disability section?

Also - often there is a section on what assistance you may need due to your disability. I am not quite sure what I should put in this section as due to the nature of the condition I think it's quite a difficult one to answer. If for example I was in a wheelchair, then obviously I would need wheelchair access and appropriate desks etc - the solution to the problem is quite obvious and simple. But communication and social interaction is something lots of people take for granted - and if you're not proficient in it I think most people see it as shyness/inability and are inclined not to employ you. I feel perhaps any assistance needed is more a case of them understanding the nature of the condition, that I won't be the world's best interviewee, and that I may need time to adjust to the working environment. Any advice on what I could put in these sections would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Here's a rather long web page on the issue http://www.aspergertechnical.org.uk/index.php?page=advice.html

and an interesting article from the Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2006/nov/18/careers.work6

Lizard_Lady

Hi, my cousin whos 18 has Aspergers, and after leaving school he went on to college and has just now got his first job at Tesco! On his application he put that he had Aspergers but didnt put it in the disability section (he doesnt class himself as disabled). Sometimes on application forms theres a little box that says "is there anything else you think we should know?" or "any comments" and he just puts in there that he has Aspergers, but that he doesnt need any "special treatment" or anything like that. He says on there that he can be shy for a while but once he knows what hes doing in the job and hes comfortable then hes fine after that.
Hope this helps you a little bit!!!
melxxxx

Titch89

The most interesting definition I have seen an employer give of a disability on their application forms to date is: -The term ‘disability’ applies to people with a condition which may cause them to be disadvantaged in obtaining or keeping employment that would be suited to their experience and qualifications.

I believe this is pretty much what the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) says.

churchrat

hi
I don't know if it is useful to you but the Royal British Legion give employment advice and help to people who are disbaled and looking for work. The advice is as much or as little as you need and I have found thier help invaluable. I know that you can acess them thro the job centre where I live (s.east). They helped my cousin (not asperegers) by informing the employer of his disability before the interview, and giving him continued support. I appreciate that all people are different and you may not require such help, but I had not heard of them until recently, and think that they are not advertised enough!!
good luck.

John38_2

I have AS and I declare it as a Disability on any form that gives me the option too.

Many employers guarantee an interview/give special treatment to disabled people.

wolfehouse

any employer who is signed up to the 'positive about disability' 2 ticks scheme will automatically grant an interview.
http://www.trafford.gov.uk/accessibility/twoticks.asp

the info on disability that is on a separate page goes to personnel for statistics but is not seen at interview.

glossgal

I think you should mention it as it may explain any awkwardness on your part during an interview. If they are a decent company they will make allowances for this. As you say, without this information they may just think you're 'prickly', as someone on the shy side myself (people who know me may diagree lol) I know how this is perceived as a negative trait which is unfair in itself if you ask me.

It may not be as easy to accomodate a condition like yours as a physical problem but an employer could place you within a smaller team where interactions won't seem as daunting for example, so I think it's in your best interests to declare.

robpw2

i agree with the above posts althought you may not class it as a disabilty it will enable you to make them aware of any situations

Conor_3

It's a shame it is looked on negatively by a lot of people. My brother has Aspergers and he is absolutely brilliant at what he does because of the behavioural aspects of the condition. Many sufferers settle into one type of job but they end up excelling in it above and beyond what most "normal" people would. He may only do one thing at a time but he does it damned well. For example, because of the repetitiveness suffers do things like watching DVDs repeatedly, he can quote you off the top of his head chapter and verse of the Council and Housing Benefits regulations because he's read it so many times which is a bit disconcerting for some of those he works with at the council. Downside is that due to the interaction bit, he goes overboard with helping claimants with genuine problems (he even writes down the regs for them to put on their claim forms when they have problems) and tends to be extremely blunt with the dodgy ones having called quite a few thieves to their faces when they've come in ranting and raving why their claim has been stopped when they've been caught screwing JSA.

studentphil

AS would come under DDA as a disability. Declaring it if the job is offered with 2 ticks is a good idea. The truth is some people are frightened of the disabled and whatever you say they will be against you but then some others will give you a chance.

John38_2

Conor wrote: »

It's a shame it is looked on negatively by a lot of people. My brother has Aspergers and he is absolutely brilliant at what he does because of the behavioural aspects of the condition. Many sufferers settle into one type of job but they end up excelling in it above and beyond what most "normal" people would. He may only do one thing at a time but he does it damned well. For example, because of the repetitiveness suffers do things like watching DVDs repeatedly, he can quote you off the top of his head chapter and verse of the Council and Housing Benefits regulations because he's read it so many times which is a bit disconcerting for some of those he works with at the council. Downside is that due to the interaction bit, he goes overboard with helping claimants with genuine problems (he even writes down the regs for them to put on their claim forms when they have problems) and tends to be extremely blunt with the dodgy ones having called quite a few thieves to their faces when they've come in ranting and raving why their claim has been stopped when they've been caught screwing JSA.

I can believe that 120%

My strongest point is similar to your brothers. Memorizing law, rules and regulations.

I am quite blunt but I can't see me being stupid enough to risk my job by calling someone a thief though !