Here is a great video for holding a job with Asperger Syndrome This video details specific things people with Asperger Syndrome need to do to successfully apply for and hold a job. It's relevant for people with a range of challenges and capabilities -- and includes sections on finding a job, what makes a good job match, how to approach employers, key workplace skills, disclosure issues and negotiating accommodations to help you succeed in your job. http://home.att.net/~coultervideo/transwork2.htm

My son is 21 years old and was diagnosed with AS 9 years ago. He has been turned down for any services, and he is unemployed. We have tried Social Security, Medical Assistance and the most recent The state of Maryland Dept of Developmental Disablity has denied him any services. I need help in finding him a job with benefits. Any ideas or help? I am at the end of my rope, and am tired of seeing him sitting in his room all day doing nothing. Thanks

Have you contacted DORS (the Maryland State Department of Rehabilitative Services)? My son (who is 20 and has AS) qualified for services with them several years ago. Their purpose is to assist people with disabilities in getting and holding onto a job. My son is in college now. DORS did a pre-driving assessment for him when he was 17 and gave us some money to pay for extra one-on-one behind the wheel driving lessons (above and beyond the standard 6-hours which we paid for). They pay for training and some other educational expenses depending on financial need--and as long as the education can be shown to relate to gaining employment. Once my son qualified for services from DORS it was also easier to get him qualified for DDA. We have, so far, not actually received a lot in the way of services because so far, he is progressing toward his goal of getting a college degree. But being in the system gives him an opportunity to request assistance if he should need it. Your son should be able to get some assistance in chosing a career path and working toward that goal. I don't know where you live. We live in Calvert County and when we first approached our local DORS office, the staff had very little, if any, knowledge of AS. But our caseworker was very willing to learn and attended several IEP meetings while our son was in high school. (www.dors.state.md.us/dors)

Hope this helps.
Careen

My son did get help to be tested and was helped with tuition to attend a university. He graduated with a BS in computer information systems with a 3.2 GPA. We thought the vocational rehab counselor would help place him in a job. The joke was on us. He is 25 yrs old, and it is 2 yrs. since the graduated. He now wants to destroy his diploma because he says it is just a piece of paper. I tend to agree. We search daily for some type of job, but it seems hopeless. Also tried to get help from this place called Options for Independence. That was 9 months ago. They are useless too. What are we supposed to do if he can't get a job, can't qualify for disability, no one seems to care.

Hi Debbie
Please call me at 908 236 6153
sorry it took so long to get back to you.
What state do you live in? There are differce laws for each state. In NJ there is a Independece living for people with asperger friends througt one of the Aspen chapter.
please call me thanks

thanks Matthew and Carolyn Loscialo.

I'm also looking for an entry level job in Michigan
for my son who was recently, but finally diagnosed with Asperger
and is 24 years old. Would like to find a business group or organization
that has people trained to help individuals like my son get acclimated to
society through a job assistance program.

Dennis Williams

Email: Dennis.Williams@Compuware.Com

To: Dennis

please call ask for Matthew or Carolyn Loscialo at 908 236 6153
they can help you.

Greetings, well I am actually a yound successful professional. However, it has been brought to my attention through social problems at work that I have little to no social skills, a friend of mine who is a psychologist let me know that I may have some degree of Asperger Syndrome. I am extremely high functioning, two college degrees, and currently earn a six figure income, and I am under 30. I have difficulty holding jobs due to social interactions with colleagues and the lack of what would be considered basic social skills. I need and seek help, is there anyone out there with any ideas? I live in San Diego, from what I understand the region should have excellent resources. Does anyone have any recomendations?

I can also be reached directly at sandiegoreman@walla.com

Many Thanks,
Needs Help San Diego

Hi,
I live in PA and am looking for parents that have adult children with High Functioning Autism? Although my daughter was diagnosed with AS, I still see her being so different from individuals with AS.
Any help would be appreciated,
Anne