If you are wondering what are the best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome take a look at our list below and you will definitely find your answer. While choosing any job, one should focus on his/her strengths and interests and choose the job accordingly.
For persons with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s, it is often hard to function in a workplace full of social interactions and regular chit-chats. For them this can be excruciating and what to say about attending long meetings?! That could be a complete disaster. This means that most jobs based on interaction with other people are ruled out. Both, high and low-functioning people with autism or Asperger’s often have very poor short-term memory and thus have problems with jobs that put high demands on short-term memory. On the other hand their-long term memory is often much, much better than in those people who are not on the spectrum. In addition to great long-term memory, people with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism have incredible attention to detail which makes them best at jobs which require this skill. People with AS or HFA are often encouraged to pick college majors and education in an area which will enable them to get jobs once they graduate. If you are interested, you can also take a look at our list of 7 best school districts in New York City for autism.
Doctor Temple Grandin, Assistant Professor at Colorado State University autism spokesperson, discusses job opportunities for people with autism spectrum disorder and breaks down job categories into two groups: individuals with strong visual/spatial learning skills and visual thinking and the second group are individuals who are not strong visual learners but are often good at mathematics, fact memorization or music. Her advice for people with Asperger’s or autism is to choose jobs which have a well-defined goal or endpoint, to focus on work itself rather than “adjusting” your personality and to make sure that your superiors are aware of your limitations. The last advice might be the most important one.
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In an article about job opportunities published by Forbes Magazine, it is stated that according to some estimates unemployment rate for adults on the autism spectrum exceeds 90%. One of the reasons for such a high rate of unemployment can also be the fact that employers often do not see the good side of hiring persons with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s. Many employers falsely believe that people with ASD cannot do the job as efficiently as their co-workers who are not on the spectrum. In reality, people on the spectrum can perform jobs as efficiently and often even better than their colleagues who are not on the spectrum.
While compiling this list of 10 best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome, I focused primarily on a list compiled by Dr. Temple Grandin because the majority of other websites only copied her list. I’ve included Applied Behavioral Analysis Program’s Guide website, opinions of Quora users and My Asperger’s Child website. I chose jobs from both categories: jobs for visual and jobs for non-visual thinkers. I’ve also included some of the jobs recommended for non-verbal individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism. The point of including various jobs while compiling the list is to offer ideas on a variety of jobs so that anyone reading this list can find a job that will suit him/her. Jobs on our list of best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome are ranked according to median annual wage, from lowest paid to highest paid job. Let’s take a look.
10. Taxi driver
Median Annual Wage: $24,300
Remember when we mentioned how persons with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism have better long-term memory than most people who are not on the spectrum?! Well, this is one of the jobs where this strength can be used as a great advantage. Despite GPS systems, which have made this job easier, it is always the best option to have a taxi driver who can visualize the whole map and every street in his/her head. Above-average visuospatial memory enables individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism to do exactly this. Driving is an activity that requires concentration and it has a clearly visible end goal: bringing people to their desired destination in the most efficient way. This can be a perfect job even for those individuals who do not like to associate too much because social interaction is limited to the length of the ride.
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9. Telemarketing
Median Annual Wage: $24,300
Despite the fact that telemarketing that’s on the 9th spot on our list of best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome, primarily involves talking to strangers, it can be a great job for adults with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism. Unlike everyday conversations, telemarketing usually involves a very detailed script. Individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism will appreciate predictability of this job and having the formula to do it properly. This job can also help you practice conversations while staying in your comfort zone.
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8. Lawn and Garden work
Median Annual Wage: $26,300
Lawn and garden work, that’s up next on our list of best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome, is a good job fit for persons with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism and it is suitable for non-verbal individuals as well. Many persons with autism are the happiest when they spend time outdoors and a gardening job is a perfect opportunity to do so. Attention to detail can help you create art works in someone’s garden and surely no employer will have to say: “Hey, you missed a spot there”. The Guardian published an article where the author explains therapeutic benefits of gardening for individuals with autism.
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7. Veterinary Technician
Median Annual Wage: $32,490
Dr. Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism, has a PhD in Animal Science and works as Assistant Professor at Colorado State University. Despite numerous challenges she faced, including speech impairment and sensory problems, she successfully completed her studies. Her example shows how one can really achieve whatever she/he wants if they are persistent and have a strong will. Dr. Grandin recommended the job of a veterinary technician for individuals with autism, especially suited for visual thinkers. Their job includes preparing equipment and passing surgical instruments to veterinarians during surgeries, collecting samples for testing, monitoring and caring for sick animals, etc. While a lot of individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism have problems with social interactions with other people, this is often not the case with animals.
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6. Journalist
Median Annual Wage: $37,820
Yes, people with Asperger’s and high-functioning autism can be wonderful journalists. Often perfectionists, individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism can easily detect flaws and typos in the text and write very accurate and objective texts. One of the recommendations if you choose this job is to single out what you are passionate about and comfortable talking/writing about. While journalism does require leaving your comfort zone to some extent, it can help you acquire new skills and break barriers. You can also read advice from Thomas Hewitt, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 18. This did not stop him pursuing his dream and becoming a journalist.
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5. Auto Mechanic
Median Annual Wage: $38,470
Car repair can be one of the best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome, especially for visual thinkers, who can visualize the mechanisms of the whole car and how ti fix them. Fixing a certain part of the car is almost like puzzle-making with a very clear end goal. It also involves precise step by step actions and completion of the task is a very rewarding experience. Despite the fact that there is contact with customers it is on the bare minimum. I found an interesting story of John Elder Robinson, writer, speaker and advocate for persons with autism, who runs his own car repair company. He started as an auto mechanic himself and his small garage-based business grew into a Robinson Service Company.
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4. Reference Librarian/Re-shelving library books
Median Annual Wage: $57,680
Working in a library can be a very fulfilling job for adults with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism. The job of reference librarian, that ranks 4th on our list of best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome, includes helping library users find appropriate books, resources and to catalog books from the entire library. This requires knowledge in a variety of subjects and communication with people as well. However, this type of communication doesn’t necessarily have to create stress since it is mostly based on topics which are familiar and within your job description. Library science has more options for individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism and one of them is re-shelving library books. This is a good choice for non-verbal individuals or those who simply prefer avoiding jobs that require a lot of communication with other people. Once again, above-average working memory comes into focus as individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism can easily memorize shelf locations and numbering systems.
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3. Accounting
Median Annual Wage: $68,150
Have you seen the movie The Accountant with Ben Afflek starring as high-functioning autistic savant? Well, it seems that accounting can indeed be a good job for individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism. It is a good job option for non-visual thinkers and those who love working with numbers. The accounting profession, that ranks 3rd on our list of best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome, offers you a couple of options ranging from tax preparation, budgeting to forensic accounting in bankruptcy cases. Individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism often get very good at specialized fields such as income taxes or any area that is specific and narrowed down.
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2. Computer Programming
Median Annual Wage: $79,840
Computer programming is a well-paid job, suitable for individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism, especially for visual thinkers. Programmers can choose if they want to work for large companies or simply work as freelancers. Since it is a computer-based job, it is a great job for those who prefer having less social interactions. Attention to detail and focus on specific things can be a large plus when it comes to computer programming career. Peter Thiel, the founder of PayPal, stated that autism “happens to be a plus for innovation and creating great companies”. Steve Silberman posed an interesting concept that “according to autistic standards, ‘normal’ human brain is easily distractible, obsessively social, and suffers from a deficit of attention to detail”. Now, let’s see the number one on our list of best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome.
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1. Statistician
Median Annual Wage: $80,500
With their attention to detail and their intolerance for errors, adults with Asperger’s or high functioning autism can be amazing statisticians. The job of a statistician involves collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. There are numerous employers who need statisticians in their companies so the demand for this job is not scarce. Contrary to popular belief that individuals with autism spectrum disorders cannot make good employees, this list of best jobs for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome presents you just some of the jobs where persons with Asperger’s or high functioning autism can excel.
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