The ‘A’ Word in Employment: Considerations of Asperger’s Syndrome for HR Specialists

Abstract

This chapter reports the findings from an investigation exploring the hidden inequalities that employees with Asperger Syndrome experience in the workplace, providing new knowledge for those concerned with diversity and inclusion including HR specialists and line managers. Rich descriptions of AS characteristics raise awareness of how skills can be best utilised and accommodated and how at the same time these characteristics can also create hidden inequalities. These discussions also seek to build some confidence in AS individuals that their unique blend of skills is valuable in contemporary organisations and in roles which hitherto neither they nor HR specialists may have considered.