Employees with Asperger syndrome - experiences and challenges

Abstract

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder which is characterized by restricted, stereotypical, and repetitive behavior and interests with an abnormal intensity (ICD-10, 2016). Unfortunately, the vocational outcome for this population is extremely variable (Howlin, 2000).The aim of the present study was to retrieve information about informant’s experiences and challenges in work-life and identify possibly significant factors that in the future may contribute to simplify facilitation and be helpful in better integration of employees with AS. This was investigated through in depth qualitative interviews. There were 5 informants between the age of 18 to 67 who were diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and that had experiences as employees. The recruitment of the informants happened through a request via the homepage of “Autismeforeningen i Norge”. The analysis used was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith & Osborne, 2008). The results were discussed in relation to relevant literature, psychological theories, and the characteristics of Asperger syndrome. There are large individual variations of outcome, hence large variations of special interests and abilities that reach from lower than normal intelligence to above average intelligence. It is important to take into account that the complexity of AS, requires a systematic investigation of each employee in order to find the appropriate facilitation. Labeling and diagnoses should be avoided at the workplace due to stigma.