Aspergers independence poll (might be controversial)

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Do you think it's possible for ALL Aspies to become independent? (Financial and housing independence)



I figured I'd start this poll since so many people have just looked past my aspergers and told me that I should "just get a job". It really drives me nuts when people tell me this. Perhaps it is easy to say "get a job", but in reality it is not easy for me to get a job, or at least not easy for me to get a job I'd last very long at.

I have done alright up too this point, but it has been a struggle, I definatly dont think every aspie can do it, and that many will, some just wont, and the reasons why are to many to meansion. For me, part of my sucess in life (and I do alright, but still work only parttime in only a halfway decent job, own a small house and nice car, I have nice things but really live on the edge as far as if something unforseen were to happen, I could loose everything) but part of my sucess in life was my parents helping me while growing up, and without that support I would probably not have what I have now.

Many of us just don't have the social / cognitive skills to own a home, etc. Myself included.

I voted no, not because of AS, because there are not enough jobs to go around. Not everyone is going to be financially independent, AS or not.

Hi All;

I'll appologize in advance because I'm sure I'm going to offend a few here.

Everyone, I repeat, EVERYONE has some sort of issues!! !! I'll note that one of the richest men in the world supposdly has AS. I also strongly contend that EVERYONE can fulfill some use in society. Can you wash dishes? Sack groceries? Clean hotel rooms? No, none of these things are desireable or lucrative jobs, but they are all necesary. All of us here, over the age of 40, grew up in a world where no one had even heard of AS. I believe most of us could tell you of many times we tried and fell flat on our faces; but we got back up and tried again! Why? Because we needed to eat. I've done most of those jobs at one time or another, and yet now I make a very good living that most of the folks on this site would be envious of. No, I'm not Emperor of the world yet, (but I keep waiting for the position to open up), and I've nowhere near lived up to my potential, but through trying, and failing, over and over I've done all right, am reasonably happy, and you, or any one else can too.

Regards,

My that's terribly perceptive for an aspie. There goes that theory of mind thing. (Big grin) Seriously though life IS tougher for us in many ways, but I don't think that gives us any special privelidges. Keep your chin up. Perserverance can and will pay off.

Regards,

I share your views on Aspies and work, NOBS. Well-said!

I do better at jobs that are forgiving of my quirks...likesay jobs where the schedule is not set..because I always screw up and oversleep...Jobs where I will not get repremanded or pressured..because I am really sensitive and stuff like that can cause me to have a meltdown and/or leave the job....

Ideally, I prefer to work for myself.

i have held lots of jobs ever since i was a teenager...and I have lived independantly on my own and whatnot...

though i have really have trouble re-integrating myself back into the workforce this last time around...

I ran a performance and art space for 5 years...but since we have been shut down, I have been having to um...get a normal job..

I found one easily enough....but in my first week alone, I have already screwed up so much that I don't know how long I am gonna make it....

This is not to say that I CANT work....history proves that I can....I just don't always find it the easiest thing in the world.

I did best when I held down multiple casual part-time jobs.
I have also done well in a very structured full-time situation where I was dropped off at work everyday by someone who had to be at work at the same time...so it made it hard to be late.

The thing is...I am not diagnosed....even so...some of the jobs have inevitably acknowleded that I need a little extra leeway in certain areas and have given it to me...but I don't expect it...and I can't come out and say that I sometimes need a little extra help...

I really think it depends on a combination of things, like how well a person functions and what kind of education/skills they have. I also think some of it depends on motivation. I was not "allowed" by my parents, school or therapists, to develop a handicapped attitude; the goal was to make me as normal as possible and in many respects they were successful. But they also made it very clear what the alternative was if I failed--some kind of institution, or sheltered workshop, in which I would forever give up any hope of living in dignity. So any tendencies toward Aspyness were to be eradicated, without mercy.

I think Dr. Grandin says it like it is when she talks about a general lowering of standards. Life is not fair, and unfortunately there is a lot of competition for jobs. My workplace gets 1,000 applications a month. So they can be, and are, choosy. At the time I was hired things were a lot different; I don't think I could get in the door today even though I have proven to be a good worker. Namely because I lacked the skills.

The thing to keep in mind is that even though employers are legally bound to accomodate people with disabilities, that is not what they are in business for. They are in business to either provide a service or a product. There are some things that it is not reasonable to expect them to do. If you are having issues with meltdowns, for example, YOU need to resolve them before you start working. It's not the company's job to do so, and it is not fair to the other employees to have to be subjected to it. There are a lot of things that I just have to grit my teeth about every day and not give in to my natural tendencies. Because if I don't it does not matter how valuable an employee I may have been otherwise; I am being disruptive and maybe even causing the company to lose business.

I had an apartment of my own, but now I live with a roomate who is willing to help out now and again. I have my own job, have had since I was 15/16.
It keeps getting harder and harder to afford things though.
Things in the U.S. economy aren't going great right now, and it seems like everytime I go to the grocery store or wallyworld, the prices have gone up about 10c more.
That doesn't have much to do with aspieness though.....


How do most of you get those office jobs??

I've noticed quite a few people on here have them, and I keep thinking about how nice it would be to have my own cubicle and desk and stuff