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I got turned down for a short-term role yesterday, one that would have been ideal.

It was with a major media player in a new and emerging area. Though the pay was not very good, it would have enabled me to accrue some invaluable experience in precisely the right area and put a very high-profile organisation on my CV.

It would also have got my CV back on track in the sector having left it for the last year-and-a-half. To say that I am disappointed therefore is an understatement.

What was most frustrating of all is that I had been registered with the recruitment agency for a few months. They knew that I was looking for a role like this but failed to inform me about it. It was only when I called on the off-chance to catch up with them that they told me about it!

I was reading the formal report from the research student who infomally sat in on some of the sessions I ran at Nottingham University yesterday for my Transitions Programme. Made for very interesting reading.

The good news is that it was very well received and the students found it all very useful. The main issue was - yet again - disclosure and how to oevrcome reticence about coming forward and divulging ones' condition in the first place.

I have just posted on one of my forums asking people for their views on this as the subject comes up even more strongly when I visit firms.

I suspect that it is a long-term exercise: over time people will gradually become more comfortable about the subject as more is known about it. However, there is still the issue of cajoling people to come forward in the first place.

I have been at my job search now for a couple of months and, to be honest, I have no firm irons in the fire.

Its a bit worrying, but what is, perhaps, more so, is the fact that I am beginning to get in an "out of work" mode. Basically, what this means is that I have no routine.

I never like such an occurrence. My Asperger means that I retract somewhat into my own world, one that I feel comfortable in: one that doesn't involve liasing with, and having to accomodate the wants and needs of others. It also means, of course, that I am avoiding possible inter-personal difficulties.

Against that, the experience is also reinforcing some useful behaviours. Firstly, I am training/forcing myself to concentrate on actually doing things or, more pertinently, getting tasks actually done each day. Central to this being determined to work productively for as many minutes of the day as possible. I am concentrating on doing something at each and every moment.

I am being careful at the moment not to fall into one of my Asperger-related traps!

I have a lot on my plate currently what with job searching. I am also trying to advance my Asperger Transitions Project (which is going very well) and also doing other tasks such as decorating the house and contributing to this site. All takes time.

The key thing I have found is to slow down and not to let myself get distracted and switch from task to task before I have completed something.

With so much on my mind I find that my mind starts racing and I rush things. the net result, of course, is that I make mistakes or don't do things effectively.

I am slowing down and working through things steadily. This way i find I am getting things done effectively.

Have just got back from a week or so away and now have to get back to the job hunting. I have to say that it doesn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm, but I know that I have to do it.

The key thing that I have learnt from past experience - in relation to my Asperger - is having a positive mindset. There are a number of facts of job hunting that are difficult because of my condition - not least of all the interview process - but it is immeasurably easier if I am in the right frame of mind.

Today I a going to see a couple of financial institutions about the transitions project that I have been working on with Nottingham University. I have spoken to quite a few people already and there is clearly interest.However, certainly from the perspective of the University sector, there is a shortage of available finance.

I went to see a company today that I have been having some tentative discussions with over the last few months.
They want to enter a new market, one that I have knowledge of and so are tapping me for some initial information.

I found out about the company via an ex-colleague who introduced me to them. I trust him immensely and so am happy to offer some initial advice.

However, following today's meeting I am beginning to get an initial impression that not much is coming back my way. Indeed, they asked something of me which has startd to give me the impression that they be trying to exploit my knowledge without, perhaps, offering to reciprocate.

I could be wrong of course. However, having Asperger makes me conscious of the need to be on my guard so as not to allow anyone to take advantage of my good nature.

It stems from my innate honesty and it has in the past - perhaps - meant that I have at times been taken advantage of slightly from a personal perspective.

I was at Oxford university yesterday to discuss the student transitions project that I have been running with Nottingham University.

Very interesting and the subject of support for students with Asperger transitioning into the workplace is obviously one that is generating a lot of interest.

I am very heartened by the fact that support for adults on the atutistic spectrum is increasing. Part of this is due to the Adults with Autism Strategy which will become law later this year in the UK, but I do also believe that there is a greater awareness and understanding of the condition generally which can only be good.

Later this week I seeing some global law, accountancy and banking organisations. It is going to be interesting to see what their take is on all of this and what they are doing for their employees, some of whom will be in highly responsible positions!

I've started looking around for a new job in earnest!

Its a bit frustrating having to go through the same process again, but I know I need to do it and I am trying to view it as an opportunity - which actually it is!

From an Asperger perspective I know I need to adopt a positive mindset. I find the whole dumb process to be anaethema to what I believe in - be yourself, be honest etc - but that is the way of the world of work.

What I am looking at is a bit of a portfolio career: I want to work back in entertainment in some form, but I am also trying to progress my Asperger consultancy.

If I can bring all of this off I hope I get develop a situation that will mitigate many of the challenges that I face with respect to my AS and the workplace: working independently will enable me to avoid a great deal of corporate politics and will enable me to select who I work with ..... and when.

I have started to look for a new job which is a bit laborious but I don't have a great deal of choice!

What I am also trying to do is something different. I am at the stage of my life where I want to be in control of my own destiny more and be less reliant on other parties.

Its not going to be easy of course. However, I am also viewing it as an opportunity and a chance to change my lifestyle.

If I can adopt a more positive mindset I am sure that it will make the whole process much easier!

As readers may be aware, I have been working with the University of Nottingham here in the UK on a Transitions Project to help students with Asperger transiion successfully into the workplace.

The project has gone very well and I am meeting both Oxford and Cambridge Universities in the next month to discuss the project with them. As both are very prestigious Institutions, I am very excited about the possibility of working with them.

I am now looking to extend the programme into the corporate sphere as well and a number of banks and similar professional firms are also keen on discussing what the project involves.

I am obviously keen on exploring potentialities here also. The opportunity to pass on some of my experience and expertise that I have gained in a corporate setting is something that I am very eager to achieve.