Early on, Pete and Antonia knew there something was not right with their son, Martin. He screamed for long periods, seemed to be very sensitive to changes of environment and was almost impossible to comfort. Even though Martin was their first child, Pete and Antonia were convinced that there was a problem, and that they were not just over-anxious, first-time parents. When at 2 ½ years old, Martin showed few signs of starting to talk, they consulted a paediatrician.

After a round of tests and observations, Martin was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Pete and Antonia were told that this was a type of autism, although not as severe as those children who couldn't communicate with anyone. With early intervention, specialist programs and lots of support at home, the paediatrician suggested that Martin would be able to live a pretty normal life. However, it was made very clear to Martin's parents that this is a lifelong condition, not one that he would grow out of, or not have to consider.

There were many hard times in those early years. Martin had a great deal of difficulty learning to function in a group of children. His parents worked closely with a specialist psychologist who helped Martin to develop social skills and taught them how to manage Martin's outbursts and inability to cope with change. Slowly, Martin improved until he was able to cope quite well at primary school, where he knew all the teachers and many of the kids as well.

But things became more difficult when Martin started secondary school. Martin had a few odd habits: he was obsessed with football statistics and telling jokes. He didn't know when to stop. If any of his class mates laughed at a joke, Martin would tell another three. If anyone said they barracked for a particular football team, Martin would tell them how many grand finals they had won and in which years. As well, if anyone teased him, Martin would get very upset and end up swearing at them. He was becoming the odd-ball of year 7.

What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Sometimes referred to as high-functioning autism, Asperger's Syndrome refers to a type of developmental disorder which affects aspects of interpersonal communication. The individual may be obsessed with certain interests, and be unable to interpret the social and emotional behaviours of others. Typically, those with Asperger's Syndrome have difficulty coping with change and easily become anxious when things are unpredictable or chaotic. Coping by the rules becomes very important, as does having clear instructions and expectations. Some Asperger's children are dreamy and vague, while others are eccentric individuals who struggle to manage the changing and messy world of social exchanges. A range of cognitive ability is evident, so that children with Asperger's Syndrome can have areas of high talent, but not always.

What is it like to have Asperger's Syndrome?

Adults with Asperger's can describe the difficulties living with this condition for which there is no cure. A reliance on routine, learning how to manage stress and the use of ‘formulae” for interactions with others, are all part of daily routines. Intimate relationships are often difficult to manage successfully, although with understanding, adults with Asperger's Syndrome have much to offer, are intensely loyal, and are very genuine people.

At school

Martin was being increasingly excluded by others at school, and in fact, some of his classmates deliberately taunted him because they thought it was really funny when Martin lost his temper, and he fell for it every time. Teachers were briefed on Martin's condition, and advised how to help him when he became stressed. However, lunchtimes were the most difficult time to manage, out of direct supervision of the staff and where unpredictable things could happen at any time.

Building understanding

Martin's parents had always been very open and direct with their son, explaining to him that his brain worked a little differently to others, although he was like everyone else in many ways. Pete and Antonia believed that it was best to explain the same thing to Martin's classmates, so they could understand why Martin was different, and what they could do to help him. Consequently, Martin's class teacher and the school counsellor spoke to Martin's class and the other year 7 children on a day when it was arranged that Martin would be away from school.

They explained that Martin wanted the same things they all wanted (including friends), that he found it hard to read social situations and that he needed their support in not making situations he found difficult, even harder. The talks went well, with many children expressing that the odd things Martin did, now made sense. They now had a choice, to consciously made things hard for Martin, or the reverse, to make things easier for him. Almost everyone chose the latter.

What about adults?

Are there adults with Asperger's Syndrome? Most definitely. Former Deputy Prime Minister, Tim Fisher, is said to have Asperger's. A high-achieving, family man, Tim Fisher nonetheless was likely to have appeared as “different” to many people along the way. His acceptance of his own condition no doubt helped others to understand and work with him effectively. In turn, he provided an inspiring role model. Another very famous person thought to have Asperger's Syndrome is Albert Einstein, so it can be seen that having Asperger's Syndrome does not rule out being a genius!

The workplace

It is easier to bridge the gap between those with disabilities such as Apserger's Syndrome and the general population, if they themselves are well-educated and accepting of their disability. This acceptance initially starts with the professionals and spreads to the families, then to the individual and their environment. In this way, society itself is educated and becomes progressively more tolerant. Once we have studied together, worked together, shared successes and failures together, we are more likely to adopt a live-and-let-live philosophy, hopefully helping others for whom life is not so simple.

What can employers do?

• Actively promote an inclusive workplace and be committed to supporting those individuals who have disabilities
• Provide a mentor who can offer coaching and help a person with Asperger's Syndrome (or other conditions) to resolve any difficulties
• Try to get the best match between the person's strengths and a compatible job
• Train or brief colleagues about the nature of Asperger's Syndrome, where the individual may struggle and how they can help
• Recognise the importance of clear information, structures and advance warning of changes
• Resolve any conflict immediately: clarify misunderstanding without a confrontational or disciplinary approach