There are a number of career opportunities that exist for those who want to work with children on the autism spectrum. Some of these careers include teaching, social services and psychology. These professionals help guide children through their daily lives in order to develop independent thinking skills and self-confidence while fostering understanding among peers.
The “list of careers working with special needs” is a list that includes 10 different careers. One of the jobs on the list is being a teacher for children with autism spectrum disorder
Jobs in the Field of Autism
Now is a wonderful time to pursue a career dealing with people who have ASD since Autism Spectrum Disorders are becoming more widely understood and diagnosed. But where do I begin? Here are 10 of the most fulfilling jobs for people who are committed to work with autistic youngsters. We’ve listed the essential duties of every lucrative job and specified what is needed to get the first interview. For information on the prognosis for employment and median pay, we also checked the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Teacher of Special Education
With one in every 68 children in the United States affected by autism, a Teacher of special education is extremely important and influential in the life of a child on the autism spectrum. Autistic students have a variety of developmental, learning, physical, and emotional needs, and Teacher of Special Educations are specifically trained to help students deal with those needs and overcome challenges. A typical day might include working with a single student or several students in specific academic subjects and/or basic skills, communication, and literacy.
What is Required: The position of Teacher of Special Education in a public school will require a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license specific to the teacher’s state. It is often possible to obtain a position in special education at a private school with only a bachelor’s degree.
$57,910 is the median income.
Study More:
Teacher of Special Education Teacher of Special Education: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics National Association of Teacher of Special Educations (NASET)
2. Analyst for Applied Behavior
An Analyst for Applied Behavior is a specific type of psychologist specializing in autistic children. They work closely with children on the autism spectrum to find correlation between a child’s behavior and environment. The goal of an Analyst for Applied Behavior is to work with the child and his or her family to bring about necessary behavioral changes and successfully reach goals of increased independence.
What is Required: To become an Analyst for Applied Behavior, you will need a master’s degree and license to practice clinical psychology. Once you have those, either training in Applied Behavior Analysis or a doctoral degree in behavioral analysis will prepare you for the required board certification. Similarly, the job of assistant Behavior Analyst requires only a bachelor of science degree and a certification exam.
$75,230 is the median income.
Study More:
Analyst for Applied Behavior
Board Certified behavior analyst Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCBA)
3. Workplace Therapist
Workplace Therapists work with all kinds of people, including children on the autism spectrum, in order to help their clients become more independent. While working with an autistic child, an Workplace Therapist might assist the child with basic skills such as eating, using the toilet, or writing.
What is Required: To become an Workplace Therapist, one must have a master’s degree or higher in occupational therapy, plus be licensed to practice therapy in his or her state.
Average Salary: $81,910
Study More:
Workplace Therapist Workplace Therapist: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA)
4. Specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Like an Analyst for Applied Behavior, an Specialist in autism spectrum disorder works with children and adults on the autism spectrum on things like everyday tasks, social behaviors, and academic goals. They often work in educational settings such as schools, where they might also hold such positions as classroom aids or therapists.
What is Required: While a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related topic is enough for some employers, others require a a master’s degree or higher. To practice as an Specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder, one must become board certified by passing the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Revenue on average: $49,000
Study More:
Specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder Salary and Career Facts
5. the social worker
the social workers interact with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations, but when it comes to working with children on the autism spectrum, a the social worker’s job is twofold. On one hand, a the social worker works with the autistic child to improve his or her social and psychological functioning. At the same time, the the social worker works closely with the child’s family to offer support, give ideas about how to improve social interactions, and coordinate therapies and other services that might benefit the entire family.
What Is Needed: For positions in residential care, assisted living settings, and schools, a bachelor’s degree is often sufficient. Some jobs call for a master’s degree.
$46,890 is the median income.
Study More:
the social worker the social worker: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics Association of Social Work Boards: Social Work Licensing
6. Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist
As many autistic children struggle with language and communication, being a speech-language pathologist is a fantastic career choice for anyone who wish to work with kids on the autism spectrum. An autistic child’s speech may be improved, other communication methods can be created, or cognitive-communication deficits can be treated with the help of a pathologist. Pathologists may work at a hospital, a private clinic, or a school.
What is Required: At least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology is required to become a Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist. In some states, pathologists must be licensed in order to practice.
Income Median: $74,680
Study More:
Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics Speech-Language Pathology: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
7. Expert in developmental psychology
Like the other psychology careers on this list, a expert in developmental psychology can work closely with children on the autism spectrum. A expert in developmental psychology might work in a clinic, hospital, or school, where they evaluate children in order to better advise parents, teachers, and doctors on the best treatments, therapies, and other coping methods.
What is Required: In order to practice as a expert in developmental psychology, one must earn a master’s or doctoral degree, plus certification in the intended field of practice.
$75,230 is the median income.
Study More:
expert in developmental psychology Psychologist: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics Career in Developmental Psychology: American Psychological Association
8. Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists work with autistic children in rehab centers, schools, universities, community programs, or government agencies. It is their job to assess a child’s abilities, then find ways to help that child deal with family and social situations. The overall goal of a Occupational Therapist is to help his or her clients gain physical and emotional independence to help them reach their full potential.
What is Required: Occupational Therapists must earn a master’s degree in a subject relating to intellectual or communication disorders, professional certification, and in most cases, state certification.
Revenue on average: $34,670
Study More:
Occupational Therapist Rehabilitation Counselor: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics
9. Nanny
Many families, including those with children who have autism, decide to hire a nanny. A nanny’s responsibilities in a family with an autistic kid could include accompanying the child to social gatherings, assisting the youngster with routine activities, and providing additional assistance.
There are different requirements. While some families would desire a nanny to have early childhood education certification, other families might not.
Earnings Median: $21,170
Study More:
Occupational Outlook Handbook for Nanny Childcare Workers, US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10. Artwork therapy
Many autistic children who have trouble with speech or language are able to express themselves in other ways, such as through art. An artwork therapy uses music, painting and drawing, crafts, and drama to help children on the autism spectrum grow their confidence and communication skills, while also learning to interact with others.
What is necessary: A master’s degree in their chosen profession is required for therapists who are in practice.
Income Median: $46,410
Study More:
artwork therapy Becoming and artwork therapy: American Art Therapy Association
Additional Reading
The “Why do you want to work with autistic child interview questions” is a question that many people who are looking for careers in the field of autism ask themselves. This article will provide 10 answers to the question. Reference: why do you want to work with autistic child interview questions.
Related Tags
- high-paying jobs that work with special needs
- jobs working with special needs no degree
- what qualifications do i need to work with autism
- worst jobs for autistic adults
- autism spectrum disorder specialist
Janice is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University, Belfast. She has worked with and case managed children and youth with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and residential setting since 2013.