Up until six years ago, 52-year-old Paul was a normal dad doing a nine-to-five. Now Paul has the most severe case of Tourette's syndrome you will probably ever see. Against all the odds, and with the help of leading scientists, Paul uncovers extraordinary talents that could allow him to provide for his family once again. But to have the chance of success, he has to put himself in very uncomfortable - and sometimes dangerous - positions. 34-year-old Brett has autism and has been rejected from every job he has applied for over the past eight years. After visiting Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, a world-renowned expert on autism, Brett's true hidden genius is revealed. And when Brett finally gets the chance to showcase his autistic gifts to a potential employer, something truly remarkable unfolds.
Tom has Tourette's syndrome and Ashley has autism. Both are desperate to find work and have super strengths that would really benefit employers. But they have to prove it. Tom is 27 and has an extreme form of Tourette's syndrome. Not only does he have uncontrollable motor tics, but he also screeches, squeaks and meows like a cat. The pressures of the condition meant he struggled through school and dropped out of university. Due to the severity of his tics, he has found it impossible to find a career he can succeed in. But Tom is highly gifted and it isn't until he meets an occupational psychologist that he realises just how much of his potential has been wasted, as he embarks on a journey to find a career that he can finally excel in. 29-year-old Ashley has a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome. Despite being highly intelligent, he's never had a job. Although he is highly creative, Ashley has a tendency to obsess, which makes everyday tasks a real challenge. One of his biggest obsessions is the Victorian era - he even dresses like a Victorian gentleman, complete with top hat and pocket watch. When he meets the autism expert Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, he discovers that some obsessions can be valuable if treated as an area of expertise. If Ashley can find a job that taps into his creative mind and obsession with Victoriana, it could mean that he finally turns his job hunt around. But after a lifetime of not working, it's bound to be a shock to the system.
Ellie has Tourette's syndrome and Ben has autism. Both are desperate to find work and have super strengths that would really benefit employers. Now they have the chance to prove it. 23-year-old Ellie lead a perfectly normal life until two years ago when, out of the blue, she started yelling marshmallow in a supermarket. At 21, Ellie developed full-blown Tourette's and was forced to leave her job as a youth worker because she can't control the (often highly offensive) words that come out of her mouth. She's spent the last two years trying to piece her life back together and is now desperate to find a job where she will be accepted. Thanks to a neuropsychologist, she discovers that her condition is linked to superior strengths in areas such as empathy and a whole new career avenue is opened up to her. 27-year-old Ben has a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome and finds the world an extremely challenging place. To reduce anxiety, Ben lives his life by strict rules. Ben is so dedicated to regulation that he has devoted his adult life to studying law and has two degrees under his belt. Despite his credentials, no law firm has ever given him an interview in the three years since he graduated, let alone a job. His dad is convinced employers see Asperger's syndrome on his CV and dismiss him outright. But when Ben meets autism expert Professor Simon Baron Cohen, he realizes that Asperger's syndrome shouldn't just be seen as a disability and helps him change his strategy so that employers can finally see how gifted he is.
52-year-old Andy was a successful businessman who lived life in the fast lane as a motorsport journalist, coach for moto Grand Prix and director of a million pound motorbike business. But six years ago, Andy suffered a stroke during a routine operation. Partially paralysed, aphasia makes his speech muddled and communication a struggle. Over the last five years, Andy has applied for over 3,000 jobs and has only ever received one interview. But with two teenage sons, and his wife taking on the responsibility as the main breadwinner, Andy is determined to prove he has still got what it takes to get back into the world of work and provide for his family. Officially diagnosed a year ago when he was just 21, Ryan's Tourette's became so bad he had to drop out of university. Having lost his job in retail after a severe tic attack at work, his Tourette's has escalated to such an extent that he now has one of the most extreme cases in the UK. Ryan lives with his supportive partner Charlie and a menagerie of turtles, reptiles and aquatic fish. His animals are the only things that help calm him down but with his physical Tourette's getting so bad that one attack left him with a broken arm, can he ever manage to work again? Both Andy and Ryan are helped along the way by occupational psychologist Nancy Doyle, who discovers Andy's untapped abilities, and shows Ryan how he can find the job of his dreams.
26-year-old Nicola was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two. She has a first-class honours degree in multimedia journalism, but despite hundreds of applications she has never had a permanent job. After living independently at university, Nicola is now back at home with her mum, stepdad and sister. Although she relies on her walking frame and lives with frequent pain, she is willing to do whatever it takes to prove to employers she has got what it takes to be offered a full-time job. 29-year-old Marve has been visually impaired since birth. He was made redundant from his job as a support worker six years ago. Since then he has gradually lost the confidence and motivation to keep looking for work. Marve and his girlfriend Becky have recently found out that they are expecting their first child. This has given Marve a new incentive to find a job and the conviction to regain his independence and support his growing family. Psychologist Nancy Doyle invites Nicola and Marve to her unique training centre, where they learn how to access the hidden jobs market and recapture the confidence to seek and secure employment.
30-year-old Dubliner Kerie has been blind all her life. Two years ago, after struggling to find work in Ireland, she took the brave step of leaving her family home and moving to the UK on her own. After tirelessly searching for work, Kerie has been unemployed for the past year. If she doesn't find a job soon, she faces the very real possibility of having to return home. Former rugby player Daniel was just 22 years old when he became a double amputee after a life-changing accident. When he woke up from a coma in hospital, he found out that he had lost both his legs. In the five years since the accident, Daniel has sent out over 800 job applications, with little success. Will he be able to convince potential employers to see past his wheelchair? Psychologist Nancy Doyle helps Kerie discover her untapped abilities and gives Daniel the help and advice he needs to believe in himself and his talent.
Twenty-six year old Alan, pictured, has high functioning autism. Despite graduating from university two years ago with a psychology degree, he has struggled to find permanent work. Alan has a passion for politics, and is determined to use his skills to find work in data analysis. With social interaction being particularly challenging for Alan, will he be able to prove to potential employers he's able to overcome this obstacle to employment? Forty-six year old Erica has been unemployed for the past six years. For most of her life Erica's differences were misunderstood and her condition was undetected. She was finally diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 32. Despite lacking confidence, Erica is determined to do everything she can to find employment so that she can give back to society, and finally become a tax payer.
