Individuals with high-functioning autism are a group of people who have the ability to thrive in society, whether they want to or not. Many individuals with this condition need jobs that allow them to maintain their independence, which could be very difficult for those without skillsets. Here is a list of seven great jobs for such individuals (warning: some may require physical and/or cognitive abilities).

Individuals with high functioning autism have many options for what they can do. There are a number of great jobs out there that will allow them to work in an environment where they feel comfortable and supported. Read more in detail here: worst jobs for autistic adults.

When compared to the general population, people with high-functioning autism have diverse and distinctive talents. They may be drawn to certain employment prospects because of some of their distinctive qualities. It may be challenging for people with autism to function effectively in a job where extroversion, teamwork, and competitiveness are valued so highly. For instance, even individuals without autism may find it difficult to strike up a conversation at the water cooler and while riding the elevator to the workplace! Leading a group or meeting may increase anxiety even more than taking part in and contributing to meetings. 

People with high-functioning autism often pick careers that don’t involve a lot of social contact or ones where the daily schedule may be unpredictable and alter on a whim. Some individuals are more likely to excel in occupations that call for close attention to detail, skill mastery, and positions that either let the employee establish their own schedule or have a regular and dependable schedule. 

Seven such careers that could be appealing to people with high-functioning autism are listed below:

• Health Laboratory Technician
• Programmer of computers
• Librarian of references
• Uber Driver
• Telemarketer
• Artist/Designer 
• Technology Information

1. Health Laboratory Technician

Health Laboratory Technicians work in hospital laboratories and other clinical locations and are in charge of running a complex array of machines and instruments that analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other substances. The job typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or Life Sciences. Some states require licensure. 

The job requires a vast array of knowledge, such as in the areas of cytotechnology and medical biology. Because laboratory results need to be precise and accurate, technologists must be detail-oriented and have the dexterity to handle medical samples and instruments effectively. The pay for a Health Laboratory Technician is about $50,000 per year and the job outlook is excellent, with a growth of 16% in 2014. 

People with high functioning autism would feel at ease in a workplace that prioritizes employing technical talents above communication skills. The responsibilities of this position are quite specialized, need close attention to little particulars, demand a high degree of reliability and organization, and call for someone who will take the work seriously. 

2. Programmer of computers

For those with high functioning autism, particularly those who are visual thinkers, computer programming is a very good fit. Coding, or creating executable computer programs using algorithms, is a component of programming. Software development requires proficiency in coding languages including C++, Java, Cobol, Fortran, and Basic. Programmers may choose to work for large corporations like Google and Facebook or as independent contractors. They may work in a variety of industries, such as software development, industrial automation, or network and communications systems. 

Although many people begin the sector by majoring in computer science at a university, a degree is not necessary. You can learn and master the coding language needed to become a programmer by yourself. 

Autism sufferers will find this work to be intellectually stimulating. The responsibilities of this profession call on logical reasoning and the capacity for data analysis, both of which are functions of the left side of the brain, which is more predominately engaged in people with autism. For some, the job’s high degree of predictability is a nice perk. 

3. Librarian of references

The role of the Librarian of references is to help library users with research by finding the appropriate books and resources, cataloging an entire library’s books, and checking out books to patrons. Librarian of referencess need to be knowledgeable on a wide range of topics. They can be employed by colleges, the government, museums, and other information services. Most Librarian of references job openings require a Master’s in Library Science and the national median salary for this position is at around $48,000 per year. 

For those with high functioning autism who like learning the specifics of every topic, library science may be a rewarding job. This work is appropriate for people with autism since it demands organization and the capacity for critical thought; it also calls for some patience and attention to detail. 

Being a Librarian of references can be a peaceful and calming job for those with autism. There is not much environmental stimulation to be had and while Librarian of referencess will need to help people, it is not necessary for them to carry on social conversations or to have an extroverted personality. 

4. Uber Driver/Ride Share Driver 

People with high functioning autism who have a propensity to memorize every street and have above-average visuospatial intelligence are excellent candidates for jobs as taxi and rideshare drivers. The best route can always be found by a taxi or rideshare driver who has an impeccable recollection of every street in their memory, even when contemporary GPS technologies have mostly superseded maps. 

Driving is an activity that demands focus and physical dexterity and is appropriate for persons who like the challenge of getting people where they need to go quickly. Additionally, drivers that are clear and educated about the region will be appreciated by the passengers. And even if the discussion does not go well, it is OK since once they get to their destination, the driver is released from responsibility.

Telephone marketer

It can seem odd to suggest telemarketing as a career option for someone with high-functioning autism. After all, telemarketing involves speaking to strangers on the phone every day to offer them a service or help them with a problem. However, telemarketers often adhere to a certain script, which is excellent news for persons with autism. 

These telemarketing interactions are heavily scripted, in contrast to normal discussions that happen naturally. Autism sufferers will like having a formula to follow and understanding the topic of every discussion they will have at work. Even though they can sometimes feel uncomfortable, persons with autism can enjoy these kinds of encounters. 

People with high functioning autism may practice and utilize dialogue via telemarketing without having to deal with potential difficulties that might occur in face-to-face interactions. Numerous businesses use telemarketers with a variety of degrees, and a lot may be learnt while working.

6. A creative person

Although it is typical for people with autism to be very orderly, rational, and predictable, this does not imply that they are incapable of being creative. Artists, computer designers, fashion designers, and singers have all been on the spectrum historically and presently. These people are able to convey their unique point of view via their creative output. 

A person with high-functioning ASD could take pleasure in being creative as a way to convey their feelings and ideas and provide the wider public a chance to experience things from their perspective. When pursuing a profession in this area, an individual may decide whether they want to work alone or for an organization. For designers and artists, there are various freelancing possibilities available, as well as options for them to launch their own businesses. 

7. Technology Information

People who work in Technology Information (IT) typically work behind the scenes within a business or organization to ensure that everything related to technology is going smoothly. There are also jobs related to web designing, software engineering, and web development that are considered IT jobs. IT jobs are always needed and are in high demand; they also pay quite well. The national median average salary for someone who works in IT is $62,838.

IT professionals put a lot of effort into reviewing diagnostics and evaluating the functionality and efficiency of systems, putting security measures in place, keeping track of security certificates and the company’s compliance with regulations, helping company staff with technical issues and troubleshooting computer issues, installing and updating company software and hardware as needed, and planning for and reporting the cost of replacing or updating computer-related items. Someone with high-functioning autism would be excellent at all of these work duties. 

High-functioning autistic people are perfect for the tasks and obligations of an IT career. They often work more with tools and technology than with people, which enables them to concentrate on the minutiae of their task without worrying about the prospect of social contact. 

Great Jobs for People with High Functioning Autism: A Summary

It is clear that people with high-functioning autism may excel in a variety of vocations and find fulfillment in them. Autism does not automatically exclude someone from working or contributing successfully to society. Actually, the reverse is true. Numerous very successful and well-known people who have autism spectrum disorders work and contribute much to our environment. 

While certain jobs need more interpersonal connection or force the autistic person out of their comfort zone, others have more predictable work environments where the objectives of each activity and discussion are apparent. Some professions call for artistic talent, while others call for visuospatial intelligence. High-functioning autistic people may choose from a wide range of professions based on their interests.

Jennifer Cerny

Northeastern State University offers the Master of Education degree.

Disorders of Behavior and Learning | Georgia State University

September 2021 update

Related:

The “government jobs for autistic adults” is a good option to consider. It will provide the individual with more opportunities and independence.

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