Aspie Careers: worst and best.

Spectrum Solutions Personal Growth Development for Children, Teens, and Adults on the Spectrumby Stephen Borgman July 29, 2010, AutismHow To Find Your Career on the Autism Spectrum How To Find the Right Job For You

It's important to be honest with yourself about your intellectual capabilities. I, for example, am not very gifted in the areas of math and science. As much as I may have aspired to have my PhD in the past, the subjects of statistics and research don't come very easily to me. In the same way, you must be honest with yourself about your intellectual capacities. If you are in the low or below average range of IQ, it just means that you may need to have more support and coaching, and that your career choices may be a little more limited. However, it will give you a better idea of what choices you may be able to be successful in.

If you are of average or above average intellectual ability, you may have more possibilities. Just remember that the social aspects of any job will be challenging for you. And I will tell you now: Buy Ms. Simone's book! Asperger's on the Job is an invaluable resource for you, for your employer, and for any therapist or advocate who is working with you. It contains tips and strategies for you, and for your employer.
Be Aware of Your Hard Wiring

Feel free to agree or disagree with Ms. Grandin here, but these are some characteristics I learned from reading this article she wrote:Many individuals on the autism spectrum have difficulties with short-term memory. Therefore, there are a number of jobs that are not particularly suited in this regard: some examples she gives of these jobs would be cashier; short order cook; waitress; taxi dispatcher, airline ticket agent, futures market trader, receptionist/telephone operator. You can read her article for more detail on her reasoning for these being a poor fit.

If you are an individual on the autism spectrum and you have noticed that you are a very strong visual thinker, there is a whole range of jobs that may be ideal for you. Ms. Grandin lists some of these as examples:

* Computer programming
* Drafting
* Commercial art
* Photography
* Equipment designing
* Animal trainer or veterinary technician
* Automobile mechanic
* Computer-troubleshooter and repair
* Small appliance and lawnmower repair
* Handcrafts of many different types such as wood carving, jewelry making, ceramics, etc.
* Laboratory technician
* Web page design
* Building trades
* Building maintenance
* Factory maintenance

You may be a non-visual thinker, but be good at numbers, facts, or music. Here are some suggestions posed by Ms. Grandin:

* Accounting
* Library science -- reference librarian.
* Computer programming
* Engineering
* Journalist
* Copy editor
* Taxi driver
* Inventory control
* Tuning pianos and other musical instruments, can be done as freelance work
* Laboratory technician -- Running laboratory equipment
* Bank Teller
* Clerk and filing jobs
* Telemarketing
* Statistician
* Physicist or mathematician

If you are a person on the autism spectrum who is nonverbal or struggle with your verbal skills, here is a list of jobs that Ms. Grandin has suggested worth researching:

* Reshelving library books
* Factory assembly work
* Copy shop
* Janitor jobs
* Restocking shelves
* Recycling plant
* Warehouse
* Lawn and garden work
* Data entry
* Fast food restaurant
* Plant care
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