Reaching and understanding

Individuals with Asperger syndrome, part of the autism spectrum, experience particular difficulties with social interaction and communication. Despite having average (or above average) intellectual ability, the vast majority of these individuals fail to secure, or maintain, long term employment. Furthermore, high rates of anxiety are common in this group and this further compounds employment difficulties. In this article we outline some of the difficulties experienced by those with Asperger syndrome in the workplace, as well as the role and responsibility of those working in HR Departments to support those with Asperger syndrome according to the Equality Act (2010). We provide specific ideas for interventions and support that may be appropriate to this group. The article links to the HR Factsheet also available (see http://eprints.gold.ac.uk/5624/)