Keith went from an undergraduate computer lab to a research position at the National Science Institute. His career path illustrates five factors that make AS career success possible: 1. **Special interest with vocational opportunities** — Keith's passion for computers aligned with a growing, high-demand field 2. **Islets of ability** — logical, sequential thinking and mathematical competence made him good at his chosen work 3. **Ability to work with others** — being the expert made him comfortable; his skills were respected. He could work with other students because his competence was acknowledged 4. **Good person-environment match** — computer research tolerates brilliant loners and eccentricity. Strong social skills are not always required 5. **Supportive mentor** — a professor noticed Keith's talent, encouraged him to stay on for graduate degrees, and suggested well-timed next steps **Contrast with Amy:** Amy had the same raw ingredients — a special interest in biology, high intelligence, graduate-level knowledge as an undergraduate. What she lacked: structure and rules to channel her behavior, a mentor who understood AS, and a path that didn't require years of irrelevant coursework. She ended up grooming dogs at 43. Career advice from the chapter: Look for work matching your interests, skills, and abilities. Develop social competence — it opens doors. If the special interest doesn't translate to a career, look at areas where you have natural ability (Gordon: microbiology → accounting). **Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Ch 10 (pp263-272) See also: [[Weak Coherence as Strength]]