Great Jobs for Autistic People
Jobs for autistic people are far more varied than you might realize. The stereotype of individuals who've been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) working alone in highly technical fields like information technology and engineering may hold true in some cases, but it doesn't begin to cover all the job possibilities for people on the spectrum.
In fact, what makes a job autism-friendly is usually more about the work environment than the career field. Generally speaking, the best jobs for autistic adults tend to be positions that:
- Allow you to focus on one task at a time
- Have clearly defined responsibilities and expectations
- Emphasize quality and accuracy over speed
- Involve some degree of structure and routine
Fortunately, those conditions can be found in a wide range of different fields. People with autism have found success in writing, music, the visual and performing arts, accounting, law, finance, science, human services, and many other sectors.
The information below describes potential jobs for adults with autism across a variety of sectors. It also explains some basic facts about autism and explores the issues surrounding the use of terminology like "high-functioning autism" and "Asperger's syndrome." In addition, it highlights strengths that are common among people on the spectrum.
A note on language: We recognize that some people prefer person-first language (i.e., "people with autism") while others prefer identity-first language (i.e., "autistic people"). In order to be as inclusive as possible, this article uses both types of language interchangeably.
Good Jobs for Autistic Adults
Looking to be inspired in your career exploration? Here are just a few examples of possible jobs that people with autism could thrive in.
1. Software developer or tester:
There's a reason why autism and computer programming are linked in many people's minds. The logic-based world of software development offers plenty of appealing (and often high-paying) jobs for people with Asperger's or ASD who have good analytical and problem-solving abilities. Rooting out bugs, performance problems, and user interface issues is a key step in the software development process. Software testers are responsible for ensuring an application meets acceptable quality standards. They create test procedures, execute tests, and document deviations from expected results. Industry certifications are available. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering.
2. Information security or cybersecurity analyst:
Keeping networks and data systems safe from viruses and hackers requires careful analysis and keen attention to detail, which may be strengths of a person with autism. Information security analysts are responsible for identifying weaknesses that could result in security breaches and developing standards and policies to protect an organization's data. Security-specific certifications can boost your employment potential. Cybersecurity technology programs are becoming more widely available.
3. Data scientists:
Many autistic individuals have the ability to spot meaningful patterns in vast amounts of data. Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret extensive datasets to uncover patterns and provide insights that solve business problems and enhance profitability. They employ statistical methods, machine learning, and algorithms and communicate findings through visualizations and reports. A foundation in data science can come from degrees in data analytics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or economics, along with specialized training programs and certifications.
4. Animator or game designer:
The animation and video game industries offer good opportunities for creative individuals who excel at drawing and telling stories—an apt description of many people on the autism spectrum. As an animator, you could focus on designing scenery, developing storyboards, or creating visual effects for TV shows, movies, and video games. Video game designers use their artistic talents and technical skills to develop detailed concepts for storylines, layouts, characters, gameplay, and more.
5. Architect or drafter:
Designing houses, office buildings, bridges, and other structures can be an appealing job for autistic people who have good visualization skills and are keenly interested in the arrangement of objects. Architects consider a structure's function, safety, and appearance; then they develop sketches and computer models of their designs. You'll need a bachelor's degree and a license from your state. Drafters translate the sketches and specifications of architects or engineers into detailed blueprints or schematics. They use sophisticated computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) programs to produce technical drawings that specify how buildings, highways, machines, or circuit boards should be built. You can get drafting training in just two years.
6. Technical writer or copy editor:
A literal approach to language can be an asset in technical writing. That's because the primary goal of a technical writer is to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely, using plain language that cannot be misconstrued. You could produce user manuals, instruction guides, video tutorials, and more. Copy editors meticulously search out errors and inconsistencies in grammar, spelling, and continuity, as well as in character descriptions, plot points, and story arcs. They make sure a document or manuscript is cohesive and well-polished. Courses in journalism or writing can come in handy.
7. Accountant or auditor:
Many autistic people exhibit skills with numbers and exceptional attention to detail that can be useful in the auditing and accounting fields. Accountants maintain financial records, prepare and file tax returns, and suggest ways to boost revenue and lower costs. Auditors review the documents prepared by accountants to ensure that financial transactions are recorded accurately and that the statements comply with applicable laws and regulations. Most of them have degrees in accounting.
8. Aviation maintenance inspector:
Ensuring aircraft are airworthy is critically important work that requires great focus and precision. Aviation inspectors check that all aircraft instruments, components, and systems are functioning properly and that all repairs are carried out in accordance with established standards. You must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
9. Forensic science technician:
A methodical focus on detail is important for forensic science technicians. These professionals collect, examine, and analyze crime scene evidence like blood, fingerprints, and bullet fragments. They also write up reports about their findings and give testimony in court. A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or another natural science is typically required.
10. CNC machine programmer:
Precision and accuracy are the name of the game for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine programmers. They write the commands for computer-controlled manufacturing tools that produce mechanical components and parts to exact specifications. They study blueprints, determine the sequence of required steps, and develop instructions that tell the machine what to do.
11. Medical lab technician:
Want to play a vital behind-the-scenes role in the healthcare industry? Lab techs study urine, blood, and tissue samples to search for abnormalities or evidence of disease. Medical laboratory technology is detail-oriented work that requires a high degree of precision. You could specialize in areas like immunology, molecular biology, or cytotechnology. High school students are encouraged to take chemistry, biology, and math classes. Post-secondary programs are available to prepare to work in this growing field.
12. Paralegal:
The legal field's structured rules and defined processes can be very appealing to people on the autism spectrum. Paralegals conduct research, draft documents, organize files, and perform a range of other tasks to support the work of lawyers. An associate degree in paralegal studies can get you started in this field. Some employers may look for candidates who also have voluntary certifications.
13. Automotive technician:
Maintaining and repairing all kinds of vehicles is a great career choice for autistic people interested in mechanical systems and an aptitude for visualizing the inner workings of a car, truck, van, or SUV. Automotive mechanic training programs emphasize hands-on practice and often include an internship that enables you to get practical experience even before you graduate.
Basic Facts About Autism
Autism, officially known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition characterized by restricted or repetitive behaviors as well as difficulties with communication and social interaction. Autistic people have widely varying degrees of social, verbal, behavioral, and sensory challenges. The combination and severity of symptoms can differ significantly from person to person, which is why it's known as a spectrum disorder. Some people with ASD are completely non-verbal and require constant care, while others experience relatively mild challenges and can function well independently.
Common Strengths of Autistic People
Since autism can manifest in so many ways, there is no one specific set of characteristics that applies to every person on the spectrum. After all, every human being is unique. That said, autistic people often exhibit strengths such as:
- Long-term memory: People with autism frequently have phenomenal powers of recall when it comes to facts and data. They tend to excel at rote learning and tasks that require memorization. (However, short-term working memory is usually weak, which makes multitasking difficult. People with ASD typically like to work on only one thing at a time.)
- Hyper-focus on areas of interest: Many people on the spectrum can spend countless hours researching, concentrating, or discussing something that fascinates them. They can get so caught up in a favorite activity or subject that they effectively tune out everything around them. Such obsessive focus can help them develop expert-level knowledge in a particular area.
- Pattern recognition: According to a Live Science article, studies have shown that in people with autism, brain regions responsible for perceiving and identifying patterns show a higher activity level than the same brain regions of neurotypical people. This enhanced ability to detect the rules within a system can be an asset in many areas, including math, music, science, art, and information technology.
- Attention to detail: Autistic people are often extremely attuned to detail. They can frequently zero in on the parts of a whole and spot the tiniest inconsistencies or errors. They tend to value precision and accuracy, and they can often perform detail-oriented work for long periods without losing focus.
- Visual thinking: Many individuals with ASD excel at visualizing concepts or systems. Well-known autism advocate Temple Grandin has explained that she literally thinks in images rather than words. The Live Science article says research has revealed that autistic people are often better than non-autistic people at processing visual information.
- Creativity and problem-solving: Thanks to their unique perspective on the world, people with autism can be more likely to question traditional assumptions and come up with truly innovative solutions. In one study, when a group of people with autistic traits were given a brick and paper clip and asked to come up with as many non-obvious uses for the items as possible, they gave highly unusual answers. To some individuals on the spectrum, out-of-the-box thinking comes naturally.
High-functioning autism is a commonly used but not medically recognized term. "High-functioning" usually refers to a person on the spectrum who has good verbal abilities and can carry out basic activities of daily living without much support.
However, many people argue that "high-functioning" is not an especially useful term, since each person's abilities can change depending on the setting and the situation. For example, an autistic person might have good expressive language skills and be able to take care of their basic needs, but they might also have sensory input challenges that make it impossible to drive a car or work in a room with fluorescent lighting. Thus, the "high-functioning" label can mask a person's true struggles. Similarly, being labeled as "low-functioning" can minimize the true abilities of an autistic person who has difficulties with spoken language or adaptive tasks.
Asperger's syndrome used to be recognized as a separate disorder that shared many of the same characteristics as autism, but in a less severe form. One of the main distinctions of Asperger's vs. autism was the absence of a significant speech delay in childhood. People with Asperger's generally begin to speak on a typical or even early timeline, but they tend to have unusual speech patterns and take language very literally. Like all people with autism, they also have difficulty interpreting body language and picking up on non-verbal social cues.
In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) eliminated Asperger's as a stand-alone diagnosis. It subsumed it under the umbrella term "autism spectrum disorder." However, many people continue to use and self-identify with the term Asperger's.
Autism and intelligence
People with ASD may have IQ scores in any range. (However, in order for people to be diagnosed with Asperger's, IQ levels had to be in the average or above-average range. That's because, by definition, Asperger's involves no delay in cognitive development.)
In a study published in Psychological Science, groups of autistic and non-autistic adults were assessed on both the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) test, which is an oral test that draws partially on cultural knowledge, and the Raven test, which is a self-paced test that uses non-verbal instructions to direct test takers to complete patterns and designs. While the non-autistic adults had similar scores on both tests, the autistic adults scored an average of 30 points higher on the Raven than they did on the WAIS.
Take Aim at a More Fulfilling Future
Jobs for autistic people span an extensive range of industries. You can make real progress toward your career goals with the right training and the proper support. Whether your goal is to work towards a more mainstream career or a unique job, explore the enormous range of career-focused programs offered by vocational colleges and trade schools. Just put your zip code into the search tool below to discover nearby or online options!
