CAREERS THAT AUTISTIC STUDENTS MAY WANT TO CONSIDER

&

CAREER SUCCESS STORIES

The career coach can assist the autistic student to discern what their cognitive strengths are as well as their learning styles.  The career coach can help the student discover their multiple strengths.

GOOD JOBS FOR VISUAL THINKERS

• Computer programming — Wide-open field with many jobs available especially in industrial automation, software design, business computers, communications and network systems

• Drafting — Engineering drawings and computer aided drafting. This job can offer many opportunities. Drafting is an excellent portal of entry for many interesting technical jobs.

• Commercial art — Advertising and magazine layout can be done as freelance work

• Photography — Still and video, TV cameraman can be done as freelance work

• Equipment designing — Many industries, often a person starts as a draftsman and then moves into designing factory equipment

• Animal trainer or veterinary technician — Dog obedience trainer, behavior problem consultant

• Computer-troubleshooter and repair — Can visualize problems in computers and networks

• Handcrafts of many different types such as wood carving, jewelry making, ceramics, etc.

• Laboratory technician — Who modifies and builds specialized lab equipment

• Web page design — Find a good niche market can be done as freelance work

• Computer animation — Visual thinkers are often successful in this competitive field. Having experience or developing free lance projects will be important to enter this field.

GOOD JOBS FOR NON-VISUAL THINKERS: Those who excel in math, music or facts

• Accounting — enjoys working with numbers and paying attention to details

• Library science — reference librarian. Help people find information in the library or on the Internet.

• Computer programming — Less visual types can be done as freelance work

• Engineering — Electrical, electronic and chemical engineering

• Journalist — Very accurate facts, can be done as freelance

• Copy editor — Corrects manuscripts. Many people freelance for larger publishers

• Tuning pianos and other musical instruments, can be done as freelance work

• Laboratory technician — Running laboratory equipment

• Statistician — Work in many different fields such as research, census bureau, industrial quality control, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, etc.

FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH ASD

Experts have speculated that many famous historical figures including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Emily Dickinson and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart may have been on the autism spectrum. However, modern psychology has only recognized a formal diagnosis of autism since the mid-twentieth century, so it is impossible to know for sure whether those individuals were affected. While many people prefer to keep their health information private, the following notable individuals have all publicly acknowledged that they have ASD:

• Jo Redman is a three-time WKC kickboxing world champion. She advocates for autism awareness and uses her success to inspire others with learning challenges.

• Dan Harmon has produced several successful television projects including NBC’s “Community” and Cartoon Network’s “Adult Swim.” After learning about autism while conducting background research for a character, Harmon recognized many of the markers in himself and was subsequently diagnosed.

• Temple Grandin is a well-known professor of animal science, advocate for the humane treatment of livestock and autism spokesperson. Dr. Grandin teaches at Colorado State University, writes about animal behavior and animal welfare, and serves as a consultant to the livestock industry. After observing the comforting effects of pressure on cattle, she invented a hug box to help alleviate tension and anxiety for people with ASD and other sensory challenges. Dr. Grandin also regularly speaks and writes about autism, including an article on suitable careers for people with autism.

• Singer-songwriter Marty Balin founded the classic rock band Jefferson Airplane and its second iteration Jefferson Starship. In addition to performing with his bands, Balin has also written songs for other artists and released successful solo albums.

• Actor, writer and producer Dan Aykroyd is best known for starring in the original cast of “Saturday Night Live,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Ghostbusters.” Aykroyd overcame being expelled from school twice as a child to achieve success in television and film. After winning two Emmys and being nominated for an Academy Award, Aykroyd made millions as a co-founder of the House of Blues chain of music venues.

Other noteworthy careers:

• Catina Burkett – Social Worker, Author, Trainer (click here to view a sampling of her books)

• Lydia Brown, Advocate, Organizer, Writer

• Vernon Smith – Economist

• Haley Moss – First openly-autistic lawyer in Florida, Author, & Artist

• John Elder Robison – Musical Engineer, Auto Restorer, College Instructor, Policy Consultant