I don't get it...

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Why is it sometimes easier for those with lower functioning ASD to secure jobs than those who have higher functioning ASD like a majority of us on here?

I am open to any kind of job as long as I have the necessary skills required for it and someone is willing to train me. It also has to be the right kind of environment which in my case means not too much noise or office politics. I do have a job coach through an agency, who's very nice, but most of the time we can't seem to agree on a job that is potentially the right fit for me. Even when she suggests jobs I should apply for and I really don't think they're suited for me, I tend to go ahead and apply anyway because I'm afraid to say "no, I don't feel this is right for me." Its like I have to agree with everything suggested to me for fear of disappointing people.

I also have trouble with going on interviews as I'm not the most bubbly and outgoing person an employer might be looking for. It seems as if employers these days want to hire those with more extroverted personalities even if the job doesn't require a whole lot of social interaction. I am a very authentic person and hate putting on an act just to impress someone.

I sometimes feel as if I have no purpose in life just because I can't seem to secure a steady job.

I think sometimes things may be not "easier" but at least more clear-cut, simple, clearly defined in most people's eyes, when dealing with someone who is on the lower-functioning side of the spectrum, because people find something easier to accept when it's more obvious. In higher functioning ASD people, sometimes their difficulties are less able to be discerned by other people, and it makes those other people more cynical, less willing to believe that the high functioning ASD person really does have any challenges or needs.

It's similar to when someone's physical disability is not a clearly visible one -- people give them dirty looks for parking in the disabled spot nd having a tag on their car, yet when a man with two prosthetic limbs steps out of his car, it's so clear what the problem is that everyone give him all the free passes he needs.

I have to agree with you! Just because we look normal doesn't mean we don't have challenges or needs that have to be met.

This problem is exacerbated by a difficult job market, as well. I know many people who cannot find work! I think I understand what you mean by not wanting to disappoint others...I worked for four years in a very loud, demanding, and hostile environment (retail...) because I couldn't bring myself to be jobless, or to disappoint my family and friends. I will say this, though, sometimes you may be surprised by how much you enjoy a new experience that you hadn't considered. Lastly, the "handicapped parking" analogy is perfect, people definitely seem to receive you based on how you present outwardly.

that is becouse we at the higher end of the spectrum are not as obviously autistic, recrouters just notice there is "something" about us that doesn't feel right, and they dont trust that.

for lower functioning autistics, it's clear. "he's autistic, but that doesn't matter for this job, so i hire him".

now i'm not saying that jobs for higher autistics are negatively effected by our traits (they aren't and often being high on the spectrum can be an advantage), but recrouters dont realise what we are.
also, they dont usually know there even *is* a higher end of the spectrum, so disclosing makes them think of us as unfit lower-end autistics, which are unsuited for the job. (generally, exeptions exist).

this isn't fair, not by a long shot, but that's just the way it is.

I'm meeting with the new VR counselor and job coach tomorrow. I hate to say it, but if my coach and I can't agree on a job that is a good fit for me, then it might be best we part ways which I have thought about doing for a while.