Chris Mitchell Employment Seminar

Yesterday I attended the Asperger Syndrome Employment Workshop hosted by Asperger Services Australia at the Novotel Hotel. Chris Mitchell an adult whom I have known with Asperger Syndrome spoke at this seminar and it was very informative. As it was perhaps the first of its kind to be hosted in Australia, it was badly needed and despite some feedback, there were many interesting issues raised. Some of the issues were in relation to how employers and employment agencies need to understand Asperger Syndrome more and how work places can be conditioned and modified to accommodate adults with Asperger Syndrome. Within Australia there is a long way to go as we need to educate and inform the wider community about issues relating to employment. Some of these issues being, adults with Asperger Syndrome working in base grade positions and finding it difficult to obtain staff development opportunities to assist them in their career path. Chris Mitchell had a wealth of information and this information was very useful in promoting awareness of Asperger Syndrome in adults. Some of the things discussed were how Managers can understand Asperger Syndrome better and how a Manager needs to ensure the employee with Asperger Syndrome is protected and their skills utilized within a work environment. There were also the topics of managing anxiety and how to fully utilise the potential of staff members with Asperger Syndrome. Hopefully another workshop like this one will be implemented again in Australia and perhaps more of a response from employers and employment agencies to attend. Asperger Syndrome is a reality and for anyone interested in knowing more about Chris Mitchell and his services please visit the following webpage http://www.chrismitchell.org.uk/