Jobs for Autistic Adults: Finding Roles That Fit Your Strengths and Passions

Many autistic adults struggle to find employment that is suitable, particularly when the workplace is not neurodiverse-friendly. But as more and more companies become aware of autism in the workplace, many are realising the benefits of having autistic people work there. From intense attention to detail to out-of-the-box problem-solving, individuals on the spectrum can thrive with the right support and role fit.

Understanding Autism and Employment

Autism is a spectrum — it is expressed in a range of ways in different individuals. Others may be particularly sensitive to sensory input, or they may do well with routinized or analytical activities. The fact that many autistic adults have these high-level skills not only contradicts a widely held misconception, but also may be a contributor to high rates of unemployment among this group.

Employers that hire from the neurodiverse population can find some of their most loyal and dedicated workers — and a team that’s got new angles.

Best Jobs for Autistic Adults

Although no job description suits all autistic individuals, here are positions that have been found to be rewarding, comfortable, and play to many of the strengths of adults with autism:

1. Data Entry and Analysis: For people who enjoy routine tasks and excellence, roles involving the systematic processing of information, such as data entry, mangling or super basic analysis are perfect. While this is not true of all autistic people, many of us find joy in diving deep into ensuring data is accurate.

2. Information Technology: When you work in IT – programming, web development, quality assurance, or software testing, for example – you think and concentrate intensively, and you have few social interactions. Neurotypical may be a disadvantage companies are starting to see the neurodivergent advantage in hiring their unique problem solvers.

3. Library or Archival Work: When, for example, organising books, cataloguing or working with archive materials, these are all tasks requiring attention to detail. Libraries are generally quiet places with predictable patterns, perfect conditions for many sensory-sensitive individuals.

4. Animal Care: Tasks involving animals, like dog grooming, pet caretaking, animal shelter work, and even vet assistant work, are satisfying for someone who gets along better with animals than with people as they decrease social anxiety but offer lots of payoff.

5. Visual Arts and Design: Lots of autistic adults are creative and may be excellent at graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, or other art forms that involve a visual element. Such careers provide a means for self-expression while being your own boss (or for freelancers).

6. Manufacturing and Assembly Line Work: Repetitive assembly, packaging, or quality control work can feel safe to people who like routine, and want clear instructions.

7. Accounting or Bookkeeping: Positions that involve working with numbers and require organization and consistency, are very appealing to autistic adults who have advanced numerical and analytical skills, as they typically know what is expected and there a clear end result.

8. Writing and Editing: Freelance writing, content editing and transcriptions are all jobs that can be completed remotely and alone – perfect for individuals who have strong language skills and prefer minimal workplace interaction.

9. Research and Laboratory Work: Careers in science, lab technician positions, and analytical testing positions are a fit for those who like working with information, systems, and logical flow.

10. Entrepreneurship: Plenty of adults living with autism or Asperger’s do so while forging increasingly successful entrepreneurial paths, founding businesses in which they can utilize their special interests and strengths, whether that’s crafts, tech, consulting or e-commerce.

Tips for Autistic Job Seekers

Know your strengths and sensitivities. Find situations and challenges that play to your strengths.

Seek neurodiversity-friendly employers. Businesses such as Microsoft, SAP, and IBM have hiring programs for individuals with autism, and potentially, so can local small businesses.
Request reasonable accommodations. As part of disability rights laws in a variety of jurisdictions, you have the right to workplace accommodations, which enable you to do your job effectively.

Consider remote or freelance work. It’s also a source of the latitude and safety sometimes required to kick goals.

Get support if needed. Vocational programs, career coaches, and support organisations for autism can assist with job search and preparation.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Such employers also stand to gain significantly from employing adult autists, who tend to be dedicated workers who think differently about issues and thus offer new perspectives on problems and possibilities. That’s because building a diverse workforce isn’t just the right or ethical thing to do; it’s also the smart thing, as it leads to better ideas, more loyal customers, and higher growth.

No one with autism should ever be denied the opportunity to have a real job. Given the right support, insight and role fit, autistic adults can really shine in a job that not only pays the bills, but also aligns with their interests and shows off their skills.

At Diverse Jobs Matter (DJM), we see neurodiversity as a superpower. We match autistic job seekers with employers who recognize the potential for autistic individuals to succeed. Whether you’re in data analysis, creative arts, IT, or hands-on technical roles, DJM is here to help you find a company to join where you can flourish, contribute, and be appreciated.
We work with companies that are dedicated to working in an inclusive environment and to have you live your best life. Let DJM take you through your job-finding journey and help you find the career that will enable you to flourish as you are.