How can I find work when the economy is so bad?

It may count against you however, it should not. But in reality "it most probably will" it is against the law to discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Why don't you look within your community for an agency that assist individuals with mental and or physical disabilities in finding adequate employment. These agencies normally have employment sites available that are eager and willing to work with individuals with disabilities. Good luck.

If you can get through a job interview without them noticing your Asperger's too much, then I think it would be best if you don't tell potential employers about it. In most cases it would count against you. People are generally ignorant about it and it would most likely scare them away from hiring you, because they would assume you would not be able to do the job as well as someone else. They are not supposed to discriminate, but they do and there is little that can be done about it.

Good luck with the job search!

Don't worry you will find work because I'm sure that some employers are trying to find people like you who are better workers than most people.

In most countries its illegal to refuse to hire someone because of their disability.

I always thought The American Dream is to be your own Boss. Find something you are interested in and pursue that.