Who says Asperger's sufferers are unemployable?

[Guest guest]

Ths us great! And when Ian first wanted to run his own shop, we set up a secondhand book shop in Stirling. He said the customers were perfect for him, they just browsed through all the old books, didnt chat unless it was about a hobby or literary subject..... he was able to communicate well.

We had to shut the shop after a year because the landlord upped the leasehold money.

Ian's current shop is about alternative and fair trade clothing, so he still gets the quirky customers, some of whom he likes, others he has concerns about. But all in all, the niche market suits him, even if it doesnt (sadly) make big bucks.

As Ian is looking out books for his university course, which will be in Edinburgh (MA in creative writing) he'll be sure to look into this book shop.

Lovely story

Judy B, still unemployed after the recent redundancy debacle....

Subject: Who says Asperger's sufferers are unemployable?To: aspires-relationships Date: Monday, 31 August, 2009, 7:00 AM

Who says Asperger's sufferers are unemployable? - When customers step into the Broughton Street Book Shop in Edinburgh, the rather gangly young man behind the counter hands them a pamphlet, without making eye contact. The leaflet explains that his name is Rafferty, he is the shop’s proprietor and he suffers from both Asperger’s syndrome–a form of autism –and cerebral palsy. “With the help of my family and friends I have opened this second-hand bookshop and intend to support myself, and give a purpose to my life,†it reads. “I don’t

think I am unemployable.†But it was ’s apparent unemployability that led his parents to take the extraordinary step of leasing the shop, appealing online for book donations–they received thousands of volumes–and setting their son up in business. After sending out 70 CVs and applications for IT jobs, inputting data or stock control last year, the 21-year-old failed to get a single interview...

http://www.mb. com..ph/articles/ 218336/who- says-asperger- s-sufferers- are-unemployable

[Guest guest]

I am unemployable. I can't even get a job of having anything to do with

research and it's been over a year now since I last worked in a full-time job.

I have a master's degree, too. That's all I am going to say about it.

Scot

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> Who says Asperger's sufferers are unemployable? - When customers step into the

Broughton Street Book Shop in Edinburgh, the rather gangly young man behind the

counter hands them a pamphlet, without making eye contact. The leaflet explains

that his name is Rafferty, he is the shop's proprietor and he suffers from

both Asperger's syndrome–a form of autism –and cerebral palsy. " With the help of

my family and friends I have opened this second-hand bookshop and intend to

support myself, and give a purpose to my life, " it reads. " I don't think I am

unemployable. " But it was 's apparent unemployability that led his parents

to take the extraordinary step of leasing the shop, appealing online for book

donations–they received thousands of volumes–and setting their son up in

business. After sending out 70 CVs and applications for IT jobs, inputting data

or stock control last year, the 21-year-old failed to get a single interview...

>

>

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/218336/who-says-asperger-s-sufferers-are-unemploya\

ble

>

[Guest guest]

, I recall your troubles with employers in the past year. My heart goes out to you.

I disagree with the statement that Asperger's are unemployable. I feel its more like that the employers are hidebound to the description of 'autism' and dont see the talent that AS people have, in abundance. Also that employment is hard to get and the employers use any excuse to be choosy..

You have been a survivor and you have given inspiration here in the past, so please dont shrink away from letting us support you.

Your insightful posts show you have something to give. I hope that your efforts will pay off for you, and good on you for being on the Board of Directors for organisations, that will look well on your CV.

Keep at it, .

Judy B, also looking for kind employers...

Subject: Re: Who says Asperger's sufferers are unemployable?To: aspires-relationships Date: Monday, 31 August, 2009, 11:23 PM

I am unemployable. I can't even get a job of having anything to do with research and it's been over a year now since I last worked in a full-time job. I have a master's degree, too. That's all I am going to say about it.Scot>> Who says Asperger's sufferers are unemployable? - When customers step into the Broughton Street Book Shop in Edinburgh, the rather gangly young man behind the counter hands them a pamphlet, without making eye contact. The leaflet explains that his name is Rafferty, he is the shop's proprietor and he suffers from both Asperger's syndrome–a form of autism –and cerebral palsy. "With the help of my family and friends I have

opened this second-hand bookshop and intend to support myself, and give a purpose to my life," it reads. "I don't think I am unemployable. " But it was 's apparent unemployability that led his parents to take the extraordinary step of leasing the shop, appealing online for book donations–they received thousands of volumes–and setting their son up in business. After sending out 70 CVs and applications for IT jobs, inputting data or stock control last year, the 21-year-old failed to get a single interview...> > http://www.mb. com.ph/articles/ 218336/who- says-asperger- s-sufferers- are-unemployable>

[Guest guest]

Hey ,

I have to leave now for a meeting but are you open to commentary on this

post?

Let me know...I have a few questions from one AS to another :-) and I

will post later when I return to my poor overheated and beleagured

laptop.

Sharon - AS and figuring a few things out (I hope!)

> >

> > Who says Asperger's sufferers are unemployable? - When customers

step into the Broughton Street Book Shop in Edinburgh, the rather gangly

young man behind the counter hands them a pamphlet, without making eye

contact. The leaflet explains that his name is Rafferty, he is the

shop's proprietor and he suffers from both Asperger's syndrome–a

form of autism –and cerebral palsy. " With the help of my family and

friends I have opened this second-hand bookshop and intend to support

myself, and give a purpose to my life, " it reads. " I don't think I am

unemployable. " But it was 's apparent unemployability that led his

parents to take the extraordinary step of leasing the shop, appealing

online for book donations–they received thousands of volumes–and

setting their son up in business. After sending out 70 CVs and

applications for IT jobs, inputting data or stock control last year, the

21-year-old failed to get a single interview...

> >

> >

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/218336/who-says-asperger-s-sufferers-are-u\

nemployable

> >

>

[Guest guest]

:

Volunteering is one of the top strategies in finding a job in today's market.

My employment counselor moved to Bend, Oregon only a month ago and volunteered to teach a computer class or two and while she was doing it, the numbers of unemployed folks in my community grew and they decided to add another counselor. Hence, they knew her and she got the job.

Volunteering is a great way to network and some companies love folks who do community service.

I am excited for you!