High-Functioning Autism in the “Wrong Jobs”: Getting off the Cement Block

“Wrong jobs,” such as teacher and manager, for individuals with high-functioning autism, informally known as Asperger’s, stereotypically require considerable social interaction. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-V guidelines, those with high-functioning autism generally lack the ability to converse back and forth, maintain proper eye contact, understand gestures, and show facial expression. This chapter chronicles the child and adult life stories of an individual on the autism spectrum who was in several “wrong” jobs. It outlines the Asperger’s-related failures, successes, and revelations in his jobs, namely store manager, archery instructor, planetarium presenter, business statistics tutor, teaching assistant, course coordinator, professor, and department chair. Cement blocks represent the monotonous, boring, and rigid state of individuals on the autism spectrum. The cement block metaphor provides the backdrop for revelations coming from each job experience. For example, to be a good teacher, those on the spectrum don’t have to be a cement block with that bland look. The block can be painted with a variety of colors. Lectures are one color. Discussions and games represent other colors. This chapter is not designed to present a rosy picture of what individuals who have high-functioning autism can learn from their job experiences and be successful. Each individual has unique strengths and challenges. The chapter shows some ways to get off the cement block and at least try to succeed in jobs they stereotypically should not do. There are no “wrong” jobs but jobs that might be done with relevant training and experience.