Not all Spectrum folks want jobs related to computer technology!

There seems to be a school of thought these days that folks with Asperger's/ADHD/NLD can just go be "computer workers" and that's it, no problems, end of struggle with employment, see you in 40 years at retirement, etc.  While it may be true that some (many?) computer engineers have a bit of spectrum behavior to them, I'm not sure that it can be said that just because working with computers means less interaction with other humans that it absolutely follows that this is the career path for folks on the spectrum.

In fact, while being thought to be able to do well with a good job is not a negative thing, when people get shoehorned into positions that they are not interested in and unsuited for, it becomes a sort of prejudice that can do more harm than good.  Working on social needs and interpersonal skills is a task that never ends, and one that people on the spectrum MUST keep working on and practicing, with feedback from helpful folks in the moment ("in vivo", as it is happening so the connection between what just happened and how witnessing people might evaluate their behavior is clearly made) rather than much later.

When trying to find a job or choose a career path, going naturally with what the person likes, has pleasurable experience with, or already understands is a reasonable place to start.  "Interest-based assessments" can help narrow the field.  How can one monetize or make a career out of things they already have a affinity for?  That's both an art and a science, but brainstorming jobs that are connected to affinities with some sort of career coach or knowledgeable person is a worthwhile first start, and it might open up connections that the person had not considered...after all, doing a job search for the first time has a lot of unknowns involved and the help of people who have been through this process is invaluable. 

Once a list of potential jobs is written, working on targeted, personalized cover letters/messages and resumes that play up related experiences is another task that needs efficient time management, and something that a career coach or other helpful person can demonstrate and help with.  Hey, it may be that computers and technology are the perfect fit for a job hunter, and if so, more power to her/him.  But it's also possible that other interests and abilities might take precedence when brainstorming jobs, and if that's the case, I hope these items are also considered and followed up on.