30 Great Jobs for People on the Autism Spectrum

30 Best Jobs for People With Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals with ASD have unique strengths and challenges that make them well-suited for certain types of jobs.

1. Computer Programmer: People with ASD often have a natural talent for coding and programming. They are detail-oriented and have excellent problem-solving skills. The average salary for a computer programmer in the U.S. is $86,550 per year.
2. Data Analyst: Data analysis requires attention to detail, pattern recognition, and logical thinking. These are all strengths of people with ASD. The average salary for a data analyst in the U.S. is $62,453 per year.
3. Graphic Designer: Many people with ASD have a strong visual sense and are skilled at creating graphics and designs. The average salary for a graphic designer in the U.S. is $48,700 per year.
4. Copy Editor: Copy editing requires a high level of attention to detail and a strong grasp of grammar and syntax. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a copy editor in the U.S. is $51,470 per year.
5. Library Technician: Library technicians are responsible for organizing and maintaining library collections. This job requires a high level of attention to detail and organization. The average salary for a library technician in the U.S. is $34,700 per year.
6. Archivist: Archivists are responsible for preserving and organizing historical documents and records. This job requires a high level of attention to detail and organization. The average salary for an archivist in the U.S. is $49,850 per year.
7. Accountant: Accounting requires attention to detail, logical thinking, and strong math skills. These are all strengths of people with ASD. The average salary for an accountant in the U.S. is $71,550 per year.
8. Financial Analyst: Financial analysis requires attention to detail, pattern recognition, and logical thinking. These are all strengths of people with ASD. The average salary for a financial analyst in the U.S. is $85,660 per year.
9. Statistician: Statisticians are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data. This job requires strong math skills and attention to detail. The average salary for a statistician in the U.S. is $92,030 per year.
10. Mathematician: Mathematicians are responsible for developing and applying mathematical principles. This job requires strong math skills and logical thinking. The average salary for a mathematician in the U.S. is $101,900 per year.
11. Researcher: Researchers are responsible for conducting studies and analyzing data. This job requires attention to detail and logical thinking. The average salary for a researcher in the U.S. is $62,120 per year.
12. Software Tester: Software testing requires attention to detail and logical thinking. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a software tester in the U.S. is $55,510 per year.
13. Quality Control Inspector: Quality control requires attention to detail and a strong sense of organization. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a quality control inspector in the U.S. is $41,080 per year.
14. Technical Writer: Technical writing requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a technical writer in the U.S. is $72,850 per year.
15. Web Developer: Web development requires attention to detail and logical thinking. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a web developer in the U.S. is $77,200 per year.
16. Video Game Designer: Video game design requires a strong visual sense and the ability to think creatively. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a video game designer in the U.S. is $73,864 per year.
17. Animator: Animation requires a strong visual sense and the ability to think creatively. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for an animator in the U.S. is $72,520 per year.
18. Photographer: Photography requires a strong visual sense and the ability to capture images that tell a story. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a photographer in the U.S. is $36,280 per year.
19. Artist: Art requires a strong visual sense and the ability to think creatively. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for an artist in the U.S. is $49,380 per year.
20. Musician: Music requires a strong sense of rhythm and the ability to think creatively. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a musician in the U.S. is $30,000 per year.
21. Actor: Acting requires the ability to understand and portray emotions. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for an actor in the U.S. is $40,860 per year.
22. Voice Actor: Voice acting requires the ability to convey emotions through voice alone. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a voice actor in the U.S. is $41,520 per year.
23. Translator: Translation requires a strong grasp of language and the ability to convey meaning accurately. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a translator in the U.S. is $49,930 per year.
24. Mathematician: Mathematicians are responsible for developing and applying mathematical principles. This job requires strong math skills and logical thinking. The average salary for a mathematician in the U.S. is $101,900 per year.
25. Engineer: Engineering requires attention to detail and logical thinking. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for an engineer in the U.S. is $80,720 per year.
26. Survey Researcher: Survey research requires attention to detail and the ability to analyze data. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a survey researcher in the U.S. is $57,700 per year.
27. Technical Support Specialist: Technical support requires the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a technical support specialist in the U.S. is $53,470 per year.
28. Medical Transcriptionist: Medical transcription requires attention to detail and the ability to transcribe medical terminology accurately. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a medical transcriptionist in the U.S. is $34,770 per year.
29. Baker: Baking requires attention to detail and the ability to follow recipes accurately. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for a baker in the U.S. is $27,700 per year.
30. Animal Caretaker: Animal caretaking requires attention to detail and a strong sense of responsibility. People with ASD often excel in this area. The average salary for an animal caretaker in the U.S. is $24,990 per year.

How to choose the best job for people with autism

When it comes to choosing the best job for someone with autism, it's important to consider their individual strengths and challenges. Some individuals with autism may excel in jobs that require attention to detail and logical thinking, while others may thrive in creative fields that allow them to express themselves through art or music.

It's also important to consider the work environment. Many individuals with autism prefer structured environments with clear expectations and routines.

Jobs that offer flexibility in terms of scheduling or allow for remote work may also be a good fit.

Another important factor is support. Employers who are willing to provide accommodations such as noise-cancelling headphones or flexible work schedules can greatly enhance an individual's success on the job.

It's also helpful to have a mentor or supervisor who understands the strengths and challenges of individuals with autism and can provide guidance and support as needed.

Ultimately, choosing the right job for someone with autism requires careful consideration of their unique needs and abilities. With the right support and accommodations, individuals with autism can thrive in a variety of professions, making valuable contributions to their workplaces and communities.

Worst jobs for people with autism

While there are many jobs that are well-suited for people with autism, there are also some jobs that may not be a good fit.

These include jobs that require a high level of social interaction, such as sales or customer service roles. People with autism may find it difficult to navigate the nuances of social interactions and may struggle to meet the expectations of these types of roles.

Jobs that require a high level of multitasking or rapid task switching may also be challenging for individuals with autism. These types of roles can be overwhelming and lead to sensory overload or anxiety.

Additionally, jobs that require a high level of physical coordination or manual dexterity may not be a good fit for everyone on the spectrum.

It's important to note that while some jobs may not be well-suited for people with autism, this does not mean that individuals on the spectrum cannot succeed in these roles.

With the right accommodations and support, many individuals with autism have been successful in a wide range of professions. However, it is important to consider an individual's unique strengths and challenges when selecting a career path to maximize success and fulfillment on the job.

How do I find a job if I have autism?

If you have autism and are looking for a job, there are several resources available to help you find the right fit. One option is to work with a vocational rehabilitation counselor who can provide guidance and support throughout the job search process.

These counselors can help identify your strengths and interests, assist with resume writing and interview preparation, and connect you with potential employers.

Another resource is disability-specific job boards such as My Employment Options or Autism Speaks' Job Portal. These websites list jobs that are specifically tailored to individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

Networking can also be an effective way to find a job.

Attend job fairs and events in your community, join professional organizations related to your field of interest, and reach out to friends and family members who may be able to connect you with potential employers.

It's important to remember that finding a job takes time and effort.

Don't get discouraged if it takes longer than expected or if you face rejection along the way.

Keep working on developing your skills and exploring different opportunities until you find the right fit for you. With persistence and determination, you can find a fulfilling career that matches your unique strengths and abilities.

Is it hard for autistic people to hold a job?

While individuals with autism may face unique challenges in the workplace, studies have shown that they are just as capable of holding a job as their neurotypical peers.

In fact, many employers report that individuals with autism bring valuable skills and perspectives to the workplace, such as attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and a unique approach to creative thinking.

That being said, it's important to recognize that some individuals with autism may require additional support or accommodations in order to succeed on the job.

This could include things like noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload, flexible work schedules to accommodate therapy appointments or other commitments, or training and support from a mentor or supervisor who understands the unique needs of individuals with autism.

By providing these types of accommodations and support, employers can create an inclusive and supportive workplace that allows individuals with autism to thrive.

And by tapping into the strengths and talents of this often-overlooked population, businesses can gain a competitive advantage while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

What can companies do to help autistic employees?

Companies can take several steps to create a supportive and inclusive workplace environment for their autistic employees. Here are some strategies that have been successful for many employers:

1. Provide clear expectations: Autistic individuals often thrive in structured environments with clear expectations and routines. Employers can help by clearly outlining job responsibilities, deadlines, and performance metrics.
2. Offer flexible work arrangements: Many people with autism benefit from flexible work arrangements that allow them to work from home or adjust their schedules as needed. This can help reduce sensory overload and provide more opportunities for self-care.
3. Provide training and support: Employers should invest in training programs that educate managers and coworkers about autism spectrum disorder and how to best support their colleagues on the spectrum. This could include workshops on communication strategies, sensory sensitivities, and workplace accommodations.
4. Create a low-sensory environment: Employers can make simple changes to the workplace environment that can greatly benefit autistic employees, such as reducing fluorescent lighting or providing noise-cancelling headphones.
5. Promote inclusion through diversity initiatives: Companies should strive to create a culture of inclusion by promoting diversity initiatives that celebrate differences in race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, and more.

By implementing these strategies, companies can create an environment where all employees feel valued and supported - regardless of their neurodiversity status. This not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to a more productive and innovative workplace overall.

Conclusion

People with ASD have unique strengths and challenges that make them well-suited for certain types of jobs.

The jobs listed above are just a few examples of the many careers that are well-suited for people with ASD.

By recognizing and utilizing the strengths of people with ASD, we can create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.