by Ashley Stanford
Stanford runs a computer company in Silicon Valley. She has readily employed people on the spectrum believing them to have qualities and assets which contribute to the success of her company. She accepts that people with aspergers may lack some social skills but in her experience this is more than compensated for by their strengths.
Stanford, like many of us, is troubled by the tendency to under-use, underestimate and under-pay people on the spectrum. She points out that considering most people spend the majority of their waking hours in work, it is a travesty when anyone has to spend those hours in an unsuitable job and environment and yet this is what many people on the spectrum are relegated to - menial, low-paid and insecure positions.
This book is written for any young person on the brink of choosing a career or for adults struggling at work or trying to find a better fit. It is also a book for parents of those on the spectrum as it instills realistic hope for many, knowledge and strategies which may be used to help some to gain meaningful employment. I also feel that it should be read by managers and all major employers. She explains how each person can use their best practices to further their career path.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part is a framework and introduction, the second has 42 best practices and the final part covers safety, survival and rights.
Contrary to my expectations, this was not a dry, boring book. It is written in a very clear, personable and personal style. Stanford uses her own experiences of running a business with her husband who is on the spectrum. She recounts stories from their lives which beautifully illustrate her points. The anecdotes demonstrate that social problems are often situationally dependent rather than all encompassing. Anxiety can be disabling and therefore needs to be ameliorated and not ignored. Finally she believes that success breeds confidence and that this leads to further success, so she urges people to build on positive experiences.
Stanford observes that successful people focus and use their abilities and downplay their weaknesses. Bill Gates is cited as an example of someone with asperger traits who achieved great success. A critical part of success is matching the job and environment to the person with aspergers in a supportive, understanding atmosphere.
The successful person faces the truth and if something is not working they don’t squash their feelings of fear or distress but look for alternative solutions. First identify the problem and then find the solution, being creative and unconventional when necessary. She acknowledges that life can take many turns and that choosing the right path and having the right support can make all the difference between success and an unfulfilled life.
The 12 core mid section chapters cover the 42 best practice points and cover issues such as eye contact and sensory problems right through to being flexible, mentally respecting colleagues' strengths, coping with meetings and presenting arguments in an acceptable package.
Stanford is expert at finding solutions that only someone who has intimate experience with aspergers is likely to do. She offers straightforward but not obvious advice on how to organise one’s physical environment for those with executive function problems. In her own house she has often removed cupboard and wardrobe doors, finding that the door was a psychological barrier to her husband and children and they were more likely to find things and put them back when the contents were visible. She explains the importance of organising one’s work space.
In the final section she makes suggestions about how to manage life, how to spot the warning signs of stress and the simple things you can do to manage and alleviate stress.
I love this book as it is clear, constructive and realistically positive.
If, after reading this review you decide to read this book I'd love to know what you think! Please leave your comments below...
Anna van der Post
October 2011
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