Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

I have used this book in my practice as a life coach for adults on the autism spectrum. The format makes it easy to use as a discussion guide. The list of resources and web sites at the end of the book are wonderful for enrichment. You don't have to agree with everything in the book. It is a great source for generating conversations around the topics of careers, and the challenges adults on the spectrum meet as they begin their search for a career that is satisfying and that allows them to use their talents to the fullest.

I should have found this book earlier! - That's how I felt soon after I encountered this book, for I have had a whole bunch of job changes and even today, I have no idea yet what kind of job suits me best. I suppose this book is a must read to know our hidden talents we haven't realized before. Of course, I know all the people between jobs want another job ASAP. However, what if you get a job which eventually might stress you out and would like to leave? Would you like to call this life pointless and boring? So I recommend you to read this book to make out how to be successful at work. And just looking for jobs after jobs means jumping the gun, if you ask me. Speaking of Developing Talents, Dr. Temple Grandin specifies the tactics and keys to success. Quite embarrassingly enough, I blew a gasket when I answered a very rude young lady on the phone. She failed to mention her name first, which offended me quite a lot! She said,"Is Mr.S there?" very condescendingly twice, which was my straw! After finishing my job, I complained about her terrible manner, yelling and lashing out at her. During the argument, she cried and the other employees told me,"You've gone too far! You didn't have to make her cry like this." Judging from this book, blowing up doesn't help at all. Like many people with AS, I was more impatient than most NT's, which often scare NT's, esp.,ladies. That's why "Controlling Anger"(p.21) applies to short-tempered guys like me. Overall, I'd like to read the book thoroughly so I can gradually find my positive traits that might suit me quite well. Furthermore, dealing with this book is a chance for me to think more wisely about my life!

"Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism", by Temple Grandin and Kate Duffy. APC(Autism Asperger Publishing Co.), KS 2004. ISBN 1-93-1282-56-0 Pbk. 140/153 pages includes 5 pgs. Ref., and Append. 3 pgs., 6 pgs. Disclosure, & 9 pgs. Job tips and development. Some charts, no illustrations. 9" x 6". A carefully written and documented treatise on practical methods to nurture, acquire and maintain employment of individuals with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) and especial reference to those having Asperger's Syndrome, i.e., a high or higher-functioning level of autism either with or without specific talents. The authors have particular first-hand knowledge of ASD by either being affected or children with autistic traits. So, yes, this is a "how to" book that should prove to be an important informational guide on structuring realistic avenues that can lead to eventual employment in the workforce, clearly pointing out the need for early intervention (parents), focusing on development of talents into marketable skills and managing the environmental and social factors that may be devastating to those potentially employable ASDs using mentors whenever possible. The writers have skillfully outlined the many basic problems encountered in ASD together with mitigating means to overcome such difficulties. In ASD there is a neurological disability which often is manifest via magnitude, separation, and response of the various sense modalities (touch, taste, sound, visual). This imbalance and admixture or crossing-over of sensory modalities is associated with frustrations, anger, withdrawal, and distraction from mild stimuli such as fluorescent light flickering, roughness of clothing, strong scents and includes avoidance of eye contact, crowds, and careless grooming, etc. Using "white noise", gum chewing, exercise, soft clothing, incandescent bulbs, tinted glasses, "counting to 10" and counseling can do wonders. Using networking, hobbies, portfolio creation, and focusing on improving enjoyed skills can lead to successful employment. The appendix briefly covers the ADA of 1990 and many available resources. Authors point out many of the computer nerds or geeks are believed to have Asperger, that many have exceptional skills to contribute to society as a whole, the caveat being that their societal integration faces many pitfalls which can be avoided or cushioned, and these are succinctly spelled out in this manual. With statistics revealing that upwards of 1 in 166 children are currently diagnosed with ASD, it is a certainty you will undoubtedly encounter many of them in the schools, workplace, gatherings, and etc., ergo this guide is helpful for all.

Dr. Grandin has taken her knowledge, expertise and sensitivity one step further in Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. She offers many ideas for those affected by or those working with these individuals. This area is filled with people of talent who are underemployed. An example of one of the suggestions offered - an individual who is interested in cartoons and spends their days drawing - all day - being encouraged to go to a museum of cartooning, learning about different kinds of cartoons, the history of cartoons which expands their interest - meeting others with the same interest. It is not enough to have a talent or the intellectual ability to understand complex things. Without work, Dr. Grandin explains, her life would not have had order, content or meaning. She covers many different kinds of jobs that people on the autism spectrum can accommodate to and ones that would be more difficult for them. The book is well thought out and because Dr. Grandin is herself on the spectrum and spends so much of her time speaking to others at her many presentations she has analyzed a great deal of what works and what does not. This book is an absolute must read! I run a large group for parents, professionals and individuals and it is one of my first recommendations. This book gives concrete suggestions and hope.

As a parent of an adolescent with Asperger Syndrome, I found this book easy to read and understand, with practical how-to instructions and guidelines for preparing my son to enter the work force. I really liked the emphasis on developing social and communication skills that are found throughout the book. This is one I will recommend to friends and relatives as well as my son's educators.