Introduction
One thing autistic workers and neurotypical workers have in common is that when we find work we truly enjoy that is compatible with our values and skills, it can do wonders for our self-esteem. The right job can have a tremendous impact on our overall life satisfaction.
Across the world, autistic adults are seriously underrepresented in employment. This is a shame, because many autistic people do want to work. However, many struggle with finding a career that best suits their strengths.
Understanding Autism in the Workplace
I speak from experience when I say that autism presents its share of challenges in the workplace. After all, our need for routine and predictability can be misinterpreted as stubbornness or rigidity. We may fumble with social interactions because of our different communication styles. Or we may find the sensory experiences associated with working in certain environments intolerable.
However, for just as many challenges that autism can present, autism can also present opportunity in the form of unique traits and strengths making us an asset in many fields. Many autistic individuals have, for example, a keen eye for detail and notice patterns where someone else may not.
It’s important to note that no two autistic people will have the same sets of skills and strengths. For example, although I have a good eye for detail and pattern recognition, being required to complete certain tasks with precision or accuracy causes me tremendous stress. That said, I also don’t mind working with large groups of people (something that can be very anxiety-provoking for a lot of autistic folks), depending on the context and how much time I have to recover afterwards.
To spark some ideas for career exploration, here are a few examples of fields where autistic workers may thrive based on their strengths:
1. Technology and IT
- Possible Roles: Software Developer, Data Analyst, Quality Assurance Tester
- Strengths Utilized: Attention to detail, logical thinking, pattern recognition
Tech and IT jobs are very popular among autistic individuals. After all, many autistic people possess sharp analytical skills, strong pattern recognition, and good problem-solving abilities, all necessary qualities in many tech positions. Furthermore, tech jobs are often reputed for providing excellent pay and benefits. Many tech companies, such as Microsoft and IBM, value these qualities so much that they have robust programs devoted to actively hiring neurodivergent employees.
2. Research and Laboratory Work
- Possible Roles: Research Assistant, Lab Technician, Data Scientist
- Strengths Utilized: Methodical approach, precision, analytical skills
Being a scientist or a researcher can be the perfect job for autistic individuals who are comfortable around numbers and hard data. A career in the sciences can also be a good fit for those who are good at making educated guesses based on facts they already have. Perhaps most importantly, it can be a wonderful career for those who want to learn as much as possible about a particular topic! Science requires a certain passion for a subject that sometimes feels as though it can only be explained by autistic hyperfixation, and there are so many different topics and fields in which scientific research is being done! In fact, some of the leading scientists and researchers on autism are also autistic themselves, which is a wonderfully refreshing thing to see! For example, Dr. Devon Price is a social psychologist who is autistic himself and published a wildly popular book called Unmasking Autism in 2022.
3. Engineering and Technical Jobs
- Possible Roles: Mechanical Engineer, Automotive Mechanic, CAD Technician
- Strengths Utilized: Problem-solving skills, technical expertise, attention to detail
People who love knowing how things work and are skilled in analyzing and solving problems may enjoy a career in engineering. Developing things like tools and machines can be very exciting for those who are technically inclined with an eye for detail. Those who also possess drawing and illustration skills may find they can marry this aptitude with their other talents. In this case, a career as a CAD technician (designing anything from civil engineering projects to household items such as toasters) may be a fulfilling choice. Autistic adults who are particularly skilled with working with their hands and enjoy learning the inner mechanics of certain objects (such as a car or a vacuum or a sewing machine), may also find a career in this field rewarding.
4. Creative Fields
- Possible Roles: Artist, Writer, Musician
- Strengths Utilized: Creativity, unique perspective, focus on detail
Contrary to popular belief, autistic people certainly do not just excel in STEM fields! There are, and have been, many famous autistic artists! Australian actress Chloe Hayden (check out the show Heartbreak High! Chloe’s character Quinni is autistic too!) is the author of Different, Not Less, an autobiographical self-help book for neurodivergent people. Other autistic creatives include Satoshi Tajiri (the creator of Pokémon), actors Dan Akroyd and Sir Anthony Hopkins, author and illustrator Danni Bowman, fashion model and 3D illustrator Heather Kuzmich (best known for her appearance as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model cycle 9), and rock star/American Idol alum James Durbin. Creative fields can be an excellent choice for autistic individuals who can think outside of the box and whose special interests are within the arena of arts and entertainment.
5. Administrative and Clerical Work
- Possible Roles: Data Entry Clerk, Librarian, Archivist
- Strengths Utilized: Organization, routine tasks, accuracy
While many people find tasks like data entry, reshelving books, and organizing files boring, these are often tasks in which many autistic folks shine. Many clerical jobs can be great for autistic individuals in the sense that they offer a certain degree of predictability. Some jobs, such as data entry and archival jobs, also do not require heavy interaction with the public. This can be wonderful for autistic individuals who struggle with social interactions or who become anxious in social situations. Archival and library jobs can be especially attractive for autistic people whose special interests are related to history, art, law, and foreign languages.
6. Skilled Trades
- Possible Roles: Carpenter, Plumber, Locksmith
- Strengths Utilized: Hands-on work, precision, independence
Some autistic people possess an aptitude for working with their hands. For those who are skilled craftsmen and are passionate about a certain subject, a career in a trade may be a good fit. Many trades are in high demand and offer a degree of job security. Build With TACT is an excellent Colorado-based organization that helps autistic individuals build careers in the trades of their choosing, and they offer programs in just about every trade from carpentry to culinary arts to welding!
7. Animal Care
- Possible Roles: Veterinary Technician, Animal Trainer, Pet Groomer
- Strengths Utilized: Empathy, patience, dedication
Many autistic people feel that they can relate more to animals than to other people, and understandably so. After all, animals don’t subscribe to the same social norms and rules that humans do. Animals don’t laugh at us when we stim or judge our special interests. Those who love all creatures great and small may consider a career as a veterinary technician. That said, working with animals isn’t limited to caring for their health! There are plenty of other jobs that involve working with critters, including zookeeper, wildlife specialist, pet groomer, and many more!
8. Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship
- Possible Roles: Freelance work, Small Business Owner
- Strengths Utilized: Control over environment, flexible schedule, focus on passion
For a lot of autistic people (me included), self-employment is the way to go! Being your own boss can provide a certain degree of freedom that can’t be found in any other work environment. I’ve also discovered that if I’m naturally passionate about a product or service I’m offering, it makes it that much easier to sell it! However, I don’t view it as selling anything. I’m just sharing my special interests with people, and my passion inspires people to pay me for my products and services. However, the entrepreneurial route isn’t for everyone. Self-employment requires a certain amount of self-discipline, focus, and organization. These were all skills I had to cultivate very quickly when I found myself newly self-employed without a manager to tell me how to structure my day or hold me accountable for meeting work-related deadlines.
Conclusion
Finding the right career fit can be challenging for autistic job seekers. However, it’s not impossible for us to thrive, especially when we possess many skills that make us assets across many fields. When we are guided by our passions and we lean into our strengths, we can find the ideal career for us in which we can be productive and successful. Perhaps most importantly, the right career path can be invaluable for our overall quality of life and happiness.