New guidance on Asperger syndrome

A new book about employing people with Asperger syndrome has been published by the National Autistic Society (NAS).

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, a lifelong developmental disability that occurs in varying degrees of severity. It is characterised by difficulties forming social relationships, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication, and the development of strong, narrow, obsessional interests.

Employing people with Asperger syndrome: a practical guide explains what Asperger syndrome is and how best to support an individual with the condition during recruitment and employment. It also sets out the support available to employers.

Over 200,000 people in the UK are estimated to have Asperger syndrome, and only 12% of adults with Asperger or high functioning autism work full-time. But supporting a worker with Asperger "can be easier than many employers may expect," according to Gill Spence, London branch manager of the NAS's employment consultancy Prospects.

The reasonable adjustments that the worker is likely to need are "more focused on working structure than physical changes, such as providing clear, structured tasks and explicit instructions and information", she said.

The book is part of the NAS's ongoing employment campaign "The Undiscovered Workforce" (see Workplace Report, November 2004), which aims to raise awareness of the skills that autistic workers can bring.

Employing people with Asperger syndrome is available, price £11.95 including postage, by telephoning NAS Publications on 020 7033 9237. For details of the employment campaign, visit www.autism.org.uk/employment