To be unable to think of any job DS could do

[alexx321]

He has autism and his timekeeping is nonexistent, he is unintentionally rude to people, he can’t work technology.

Is there anything out there for him?

To people suggesting library assistant. A library assistants role is very customer facing and can be extremely busy, particularly in HE. Many library assistants have degrees and librarians usually have Masters degrees. They have massively cut staff and you are expected to be able to multi task.

Gardener

I have these same worries.

My son is only 16 so I’ve got a couple of years yet but he’s autistic, hates people, is selectively mute around strangers and has meltdowns if he has any sensory overload (bright lights, loud noises etc)

I honestly can’t think of a single thing he could do unless he improves massively in the next few years, but that hasn’t happened in the last 16 so I’m not holding my breath.

@TastingTheRainbow what kind of things does he enjoy or show he gets pleasure from?

Would he be any good at online personal training /martial arts classes? Basically someone emails him and he can send fitness videos / diet or exercise plans etc. He doesn’t have to interact with people directly.

Another option could be helping foreign students with their student visa applications. There are websites where he could register. Obviously only good if he’s able to Google visa requirements appropriately, but I know a number of autistic people who have trained into this and are earning 2-3k per month and managing their own schedule.

If he needs a calm environment, what about horticulture of some sorts?

Something like a care farm would give him an opportunity to see if the variety of roles are of interest in a very supported environment and there is progression to a qualification.

What are his skills though? I work with plenty of people who have appalling timekeeping or who are unintentionally rude - some probably intentionally.

Is he good with numbers/patterns? Does he have an affinity with animals? Can he copy things he sees other people doing? Can he disassemble things and know how to reassemble them?

There are lots of companies who run apprentice-like schemes for non-neuro typical people (apologies if that's not a correct term). We began actively recruiting people with autism/aspergers as their skills can be far better suited to technical actuarial roles.

As with all people, he will have a blend of qualities that will fit many jobs, it's just a case of finding one he finds rewarding.

As a mother of a 10 year old dd with add and learning difficulties- I too worry about the future but you guys have come up with loads of suggestions and shared your own experiences- thank you so much, I feel so positive to the future! Not all doom and gloom 😘😘

Do you have any local charities that work with people with needs?

We have one locally that has a second hand goods shop, the warehouse where the goods are stored, a nursery and a cafe at said nursery. They are very good at taking on volunteers for a short period to give them experience in different parts of the business to find out what suits them. The volunteering then gives them experience and a reference, as well as the organisation having good links with businesses locally.

It’s been great for DH’s cousin as helped him find a suitable role and he’s now working full time.

Sorry OP no advice as my son is much younger but I feel we'll be in a similar position in the coming years.

There's some really useful posts on here and given me lots to think about.

The post from user1471548941 a few pages back was really positive to read.

@anoni To be honest not very much. He is going through a miserable stage, talk about wishing he was never born, hates everyone and everything. The only thing he really gets pleasure from is his collections. He collects store receipts and foreign currency. Don’t think anyone is going to hire him to do that however! I have pretty much come to terms with the fact that he’s going to be living at home / in supported living for the majority of his life and likely will rely on benefits. It’s heartbreaking but those are the cards he was sadly dealt.

@TastingTheRainbow, you never know i work in a supermarket currently, I'm sure he could sneak some receipts customers leave 😂😂.

Some of the jobs suggested are low level, but for example tesco will soon be paying 9 pound an hour, he may rely on benefits but even a couple hours out of the house in a low level job will allow him to do stuff he enjoys.

I really hope so. We’ve got a few years to try and get over his absolute hate for people that don’t serve a purpose to him.

@TastingTheRainbow, I'm sure you're doing an amazing job and good luck, I'm sure in the future he'll doing something he likes.

Regardless of where he ends up you should be proud of how well you've done