Because we acknowledge all the ability that exists in those with disABILITY and in the equality of those with even extreme differences from the social majority, we don't refer to Autism Spectrum Disorder but prefer to use the term 'condition' (a state of being, an attribute) because we all have various conditions, human conditions of various kinds, among which are Autism Spectrum Conditions.  And if you are wondering what such a thing is, well, perhaps we should start with the simple statement that there is NO ONE THING CALLED AN AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITION.

This means two things:

We will all have AN INFORMATION PROCESSING DIFFERENCE to Non-Autistic people. This information processing difference can be an ability or a disability. You will see from the profiles of the members of Auties.org that their information processing differences all have lead to an ABILITY at some point. In fact this ability may be far more highly developed, more meticulous, more adhered to with intense commitment and focus than you might normally find in a non-autistic employee with a similar skill, making many of us VERY HIGHLY EMPLOYABLE.

So why are those with Autism Spectrum Conditions among the most highly underemployed people in society?

Well, some may not be into small talk, some may be brutally honest, some may not like eyeballing you when they are busy speaking and thinking, some may have a unique sense of fashion, some may speak so clearly you may think you got Spock on the phone, some may speak in a whisper, others may speak through typing and others will communicate simply through doing. Some hate taking lunchbreaks, some may not shake hands, others may shake hands whenever they see you! Many dont cope with lies, many dont get jokes, but most have a sense of humour and some of us wickedly so. Many wont understand your facial expression or body language but are fine with clear visual instructions and upfront simple explanations and some wont need instruction at all! Some wont give out much body language or facial expression but as you get to know them you may find they are as empathic, caring, warm and thoughtful as any other human being, sometimes more so. Some are the most passionate, creative, intuitive, systematic, logical, determined and up front people you may ever meet. So if you dont like people who are a bit different, then youd best look elsewhere, but if you believe in a fair go, if you arent afraid of difference, if you are someone in the community who believes in building bridges and not walls, then welcome to Auties.org and to the celebration of diversity, self determination and a fair go for all workers. Our community, our country and this world, needs more people like you.