• Replies 5 replies
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 105 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

What is your job?

Sloth

Hey Everyone, 

This is my first time here. I was diagnosed with Autism last year. I have always struggled with keeping a job. I'm just wondering what jobs other Autistic adults have that has worked for them?

  • I think avoiding public-facing jobs and finding a niche that rewards autistic strengths is the way to go. Before retirement I worked in universities on biomedical research. Obviously a lot of academic qualification is required, but scientific research positively rewards single-minded obsession (monotropism), an eye for detail and unusual abilities in problem solving (pattern recognition). All of which are autistic characteristics.

  • Good morning from America, Sloth!

    I’m sorry to hear that holding a job has been a struggle for you. If there’s any way we can help let us know.

    I worked as a professor of music for ten years, specializing in composition and history. It was fun, but there was a lot of things going wrong near the end such as burnout, lack of participation by students, and lowering pay. Not to mention I had ideological differences from the institution I worked for.

    Now I work as an employment specialist, finding jobs for people with various disabilities. It’s harder overall, but there’s a lot of things I appreciate about this job.

  • Hi. I'm now retired. My whole career was in telecommunications engineering. I started in research, then moved to development and finished in overseas consultancy. Although all with the same company, I moved around quite a lot between departments in various parts of the country. 

    Work was always a struggle, but I assumed that was the way for everyone. Moving between different disciplines in different locations did, of course, upset routine. But I was always determined not to be beaten. 

    I didn't know about my autism throughout my working life. Whether or nor knowing about it would have made any difference (positive or negative) I have no idea. 

  • Dear Sloth, 

    Just wanted to welcome you to the community and say I hope you find support and friendly chats here. I am sure other members will be able to answer your question soon. But in the meantime I can direct you to the employment section on our website.

    Please find the link here:

    www.autism.org.uk/.../employment

    With best wishes, 

    Anna Mod