The perfect day-to-day working environment for Aspies?

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Hello all,

Recently diagnosed Aspie here . I have been reading this site and it is pretty interesting. I have been looking primarily for information about work issues since for me, staying on a job has always been a problem as I quit often. You know how it is: difficult managers, annoying coworkers, overwhelming noises, difficulties with transportation, not getting paid for the work you put in and other grievances I could name, ad nauseum.

As a person who is thinking about changing careers into Career Counseling to help people like me find suitable work, I am thinking of creating a project to revolutionize the world of work so that Aspies can be a more integral part of the working world; maybe even creating a workspace just for people like us where we can work happily. I am interested in finding out what DOES work for people with Aspergers. While I am quite familiar with what is wrong in the workplace there are things that do go right or things that I appreciate. What I'd like for you to share is some things you have found that have made you like a job (regardless of career), or have helped you cope on a job. If this has already been done, I apologize. I'll start the list (not in any particular order):

1. Not a lot of transportation to and from home or,
2. Work from home (my apartment is quiet; may not be possible for everyone). A shuttle is cool, too.
3. clear expectations of job (accurate job description) and rules of workplace, preferably in visual and/or list format-work must match job description; or a reasonable and legal explanation must be given as to why it does not
4. flex time
5. own work space not to be shared (cubicle, short lab counter, office with a door, etc)
6. own resources that do not have to be shared (toolbox, mailbox, desk supplies, phone with voicemail, computer, etc)
7. a manager who is professional, easy going but direct and responsible. Whose instructions and deadlines are clear. An advocate; who pushes the need for us to be accountable for work output and behavior without being disrespectful
8. reasonably quiet environment or at least access to white noise machine, earplugs, earphones, etc. or non-fluorescent light
9. temperature control if inside; access to appropriate attire if outside
10. responsibilities that are more project oriented with a clear start and end.
11. opportunities to take initiative without penalty.
12. opportunities for on the job training
13. opportunities to shadow people in other jobs at your company
14. meetings that are attended at your desk viewing it on a computer rather than being herded into a small crowded room
15. socialization is natural and your ability to work at the job does not depend on it
16. routine 1:1 meetings with manager to discuss progress on the job
17. access to impartial, objective professional advisor who can assist with on the job difficulties (employee assistance program, etc)
18. no or few receptionist or customer service responsibilities
19. safe place to keep personal belongings
20. ability to access healthcare when necessary
21. pay that is appropriate for the work that is done.

Of the things you mentioned, a cubicle of some sort is almost a given nowadays, so try to make the best if the one you get. To be honest, I would just try to avoid having a phone at all, but this is unlikely. If possible, do not program the voice mail (just another way to have people bug you about little 'whatevers').

The 1:1 meeting with your supervisor could be really valuable, but it is not the style of most managers. By some amazing miracle, a good friend of mine was recently hired by a manager who actually does the 1:1 weekly, and said friend likes it (and he is NT as far as I know).

Noise cancelling electronic headphones are not cheap, but worth getting, given your list. I'd also go to a hardware store/Home Depot/Lowes and get some comfortable padded earphones (the big ones) as a way of blocking out sound. Don't rely on little earplugs, as they get uncomfortable quickly, and do not work as well (fall out, less sound reduction, etc.)

Fluorescent lights are wretched - I sympathize. I can sense the vibrations in their output, and it makes me sleepy. Sometimes you can get up on your desk, reach the ceiling, and twist the bulb so it goes dark, or have facilities people do it for you. At least that will reduce the glare from the lights right above you, or above and in front, shining in your eyes.

I don't know what profession you are in, or what types of jobs you take, so I can't comment on some of the other things you mentioned.

I didn't ask you to comment on my list; I asked people to add to it.

[/quote] There are people that do not want these things?[/quote]

Do you have anything to add? That's what I am asking.