The general consensus from individuals with AS and professionals in the field is that people with AS are treated as if they are 'retarded, crazy or just plain lazy' when they try to get help. People with AS are highly intelligent and very hard working but sometimes they may need financial help while learning employment skills, while coming to grips with an AS diagnosis, or while setting up a business or self-employment. That help is often not forthcoming:

In the US, within each of the fifty states there are differing criteria to receiving financial or job placement assistance. The three examples here show how mindset and access to benefits and assistance can vary from one state to the next.

In New York State: Under the eligibility criteria, to receive services from OMRDD, a person would need to have received a documented diagnosis of a developmental disability prior to age 22. There are other requirements, as well, but essentially this means that anyone born before 1972 would be ineligible for benefits in NY, for although their condition existed the diagnosis did not. Hence if you were born in 1972 or earlier and live in New York State, you will have to live by your own means, without assistance from the relevant governing body, no matter how severe your AS is and how difficult it is for you to work. In addition, OMRDD stands for ‘Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability.’ As stated, people with AS have a higher than average IQ. ‘Mentally retarded’ means you have an IQ under 70. Even if they need help, how many people with Aspergers are going to go to the office of Mental Retardation and ask for assistance?

In Colorado:  According to an email I received from Colorado’s Division for Developmental Disabilities :

“The person must apply for an eligibility determination through the local community centered board. They will evaluate whether the person meets the criteria below. Please note that while the substantial disability must be "...attributable to mental retardation or related conditions which include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or other neurological condition..." it only applies when "...such conditions result in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of a person with mental retardation."

"Impairment of general intellectual functioning" means that the person has been determined to have an IQ of 70 or less.”

Notice that autism here is listed as a related condition to mental retardation, while it is nothing of the sort. In addition, as we’ve mentioned, people with AS will not possess the IQ of 70 or less that one need to qualify for benefits with these criteria.

In America things are so big and widespread that it seems unlikely that a change of attitude can occur, right? Not always.

In Connecticut: Largely due to lobbying,

“In 2007, the department changed its name from the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services. This change reflects the mission and commitment of the department to serve individuals eligible for services with the utmost respect and dignity.”  http://www.ct.gov/dds/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=384186

“(Changing the name) paved the way to a different mindset. You shouldn’t have to have an IQ under 70 to receive assistance from the government if you need it.”  Mat Kennedy, Supervisor of the ASAT Program (Asperger's Syndrome Adult Transition), Chapel Haven

What everyone can do: Lobby for change. Contact your local AS groups, autistic organizations, and see if they might assist with your cause. They may have some advice or knowledge on where and how to start. Having a credible organization behind you will give you much more power and influence. Write an eloquent letter and share it via e-mail with your contacts. Ask them to print, sign and send to your state’s disability/developmental services division asking for a name that reflects due dignity, and help for all people with Aspergers if they need it.