August 29, 2008, Newsletter Issue #106: Careers for the Autistic Adult
Tip of the Week
Many autistic adults are able to choose among countless career options. Parents often begin the planning stages for their adolescent's future career path when they develop the transition planning review. The career path is determined by the autistic adult's interests and strengths.
Common careers for autistic adults include jobs that involve a lot of repetition. Many adults with autism fair well as chefs while others prefer the repetitive nature of assembly line work. Computer-related jobs are common among autistic adults while others prefer to work with animals.
Temple Grandin, Ph.D. is an autistic adult who has worked as a professor and continues to educate the public about autism. She makes wonderful recommendations for possible professions for adults with autism and she organizes them by the individual's strengths.
She suggests that the job should have a definite finishing point each day. The employer should be understanding about the individual's social limitations and the person with autism should sell his skills instead of trying to sell himself to the interviewer.
Visual thinkers could consider the following careers:
Computer programming/web page design
Drafting
Auto mechanic/building maintenance/appliance repair
Lab technician
Animal trainer/vetenary assistant
Commerical art/graphic design/photography
Non-visual thinkers (math, music and fact thinkers) may want to consider the following:
Copywriter/journalist
Accountant
Computer programmer
Inventory control
Bank teller/clerk, filing jobs
Library science
Tuning/repairing musical instruments
Lab technician
Statistician
Non-verbal individuals with autism may want to consider the following:
Assembly work
Copy shop/newspaper or print preparation
Data entry
Fast food preparation and clean-up
Lawn and garden work
Warehouse/restocking shelves in stores
Recyclying plant
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