Handling Change
Change must be dealt with in a proactive manner for it to become constructive. Most people tend to react negatively to changes, but the AS manager may react more strongly, depending on the nature of the change and how it comes about. The key is to control any negative reactions you may have. Managers know going in they will have to deal with a lot of changes. Use this to stay alert, but not nervous. Remember, your employees will decide how to react based upon what they see you do. I will only deal with non-catastrophic changes here.
If a change is announced in advance, such as a new process or rule, there can be problems with anticipating negative impacts to the point that positive impacts are minimized, ignored or overlooked. The negatives can be seen as threats, especially if the manager has AS. This can lead to panic attacks if left unchecked. To deal with this, make a list of perceived positive and negative impacts and weigh them against each other. Some pairs may cancel out. Serious negatives can be brought to the attention of higher management. If a conversation turns to worrying about the negatives, agree, then point out the positives.
If a change occurs suddenly, such as the death of a mentor or co-worker, or a company buyout, the first reaction is to assess the possible effect on your survival, i.e. your job. Subsequent assessments will include effects on job flow, effort needed, etc. according to the perceived personal threat level. Negative effects will be thought of first: this is a survival response and must be respected. The trick is to not become buried in negativity and panic, but to look for the positives that can be used to offset negatives. Grab and hold the panic and start looking for positives asap. If possible, write the pros and cons as above, otherwise make a mental list. If you can channel panic energy into this effort, so much the better.
You may have to find a quiet place to let your emotions run a bit before taking action. You're not weak for that, you're human. It's just part of doing what needs to be done on the job. Respect this, too.
Focusing on positives
Myself, I prefer it when I know about the change in advance so that, if necessary or if allowed to, I can make suggestions relating to this change. Otherwise it's just merely the fact that at least I'm prepared for the fact there are to be changes afoot. Sudden changes panic me, but then it depends on the change. If it's minor I don't really mind, but if it's major, like all of the sudden my working hours or contract changing with very little warning, it will fluster me somewhat. I think the key is to definitely look at the benefits of a potential change on the horizon. With every change or alteration, there will be negatives. I can't think of a change in which there hasn't been relating to work, even if they are only temporary. In all aspects of life, there are negatives, but I like to try and not think about them too much as I find it hinders my adapting to the change.
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
Minor & Major Change
I think that your point about the difference between minor and major change is very important.
I can handle minor change quite easily, especially if it is within a stable work context.
It is when major, seismic change occurs in a corporation that I find it unsettling and hard to deal with. Its not just the change itself - which in two cases has meant me losing my job - but the afterthought: what am I going to do next? Uncertainty means anxiety.
Not sure what the answer is. I think the best thing for someone with Asperger to try and do is identify a role and an organisation that is stable in the long run. Not easy however, in this age of fast moving change.
The other thing is to always look ahead and try and anticipate it. Again hard, but if the lay of land is looking detrimental then the only course of action is to start looking elsewhere and take personal control of the situation.
That in itself, of course, means big change also. Not easy for someone with AS to do, but something that I have tried to train myself to accomplish.
Not sure I see any other way!
Cognitive Preparation
For me, the key is mental preparation.
As you rightly say, change is an unavoidable part of working life; it is though, the thing that is most contrary to the AS personality.
I think you are right to say that being proactive is the correct approach. However, I have not implemented this action sufficiently previously and have tended to mentally distance myself from it as a result of my Asperger.
I always try to look ahead and anticipate the potential consequences. Above all, I refuse to allow myself to think that it can't affect me - because it almost certainly will!
The hardest part is recognising when the potential change is likely to be seismic, i.e. job loss. When this happens it can be hugely damaging to self-confidence in the future if not fully prepared for.
Your suggestion of speaking to superior management and making them aware of any concerns is very sensible. That's what managers are there for.
What I have also found helps, is introdcuing change gradually into my work and life in general. Initially these can be just small steps: adopting a different routine for example to break my set, sometimes rigid work patterns.
As I experience change, the less threatening it feels and the more comfortable I am with it. In fact at times it can even be enjoyable.
From a work/managerial perspective, I have made it a key personal development objective.