If you’re autistic and work, what job do you do?

[Megmargs]

Inspired by the ADHD thread! I read through it but most jobs sound like an absolute nightmare to me 😂 so I’ve been wondering, for those of you who are autistic but without ADHD, what work suits you?

Like the OP on the ADHD thread I’m also really struggling. It’s as if as I get older the ASD changes the rules on me and what was once alright now burns me out completely. Currently way over-qualified for the job I do and still struggling so wondering if I need a complete change. Hoping to get a little inspiration from all you lovely people.

Comms, PR, marketing. Used to be a journalist.

Hi OP, I’m technically awaiting assessment (but if I’m not autistic I’ll eat my hat). I worked in a junior clerical role for several years, as the quiet office, predictable routine and limited variation suited me after burnout from attempting a corporate role in my 20s. Eventually I got bored, did a masters alongside my job and then a PhD (which I did over several years due to massive concentration problems, among other things). Now I’m in a PT academic research role - the pay isn’t great but I enjoy the work and the ability to work almost entirely from home. I haven’t had a face-to-face meeting for over a month and that suits me fine!

I have teaching qualifications. I've done lots of admin particularly educational sector admin. Now I'm working in care although I've had to take a break for childcare reasons. I really love care, in a way that I haven't experienced I'm a job before. Iys a shame it's hard to get a job in care if you can't do weekends and evenings.

Project management but I do struggle with full time hours. I end up sleeping for most of my weekends just to survive.
I'm a bit weird in that I don't cope well with too much routine, I find it stressful (NHS diagnosed with ASD)

Run my own business in the arts!

I work with adults with LD in a small care home.

Most of them are autistic too.

Occupational Therapist

I'm autistic - I work from home for the local government giving data protection advice to internal colleagues. It suits me perfectly.

Project manager in technology for an Investment Bank. Like PP, good job I love it as I need to rest a lot.

Senior leadership in the hospitality industry. I've told asked a couple of years ago I'd have waxed lyrical about how great it as and how I get to be myself. Now with a new MD who wants to our everyone into near little ducking boxes I'm close to burnout and considering going to live in a cave

#nothelpful

Sorry for typos, hopefully you got the jist!

I’m awaiting diagnosis (DS is autistic and I’m pretty sure I am). Had lots of admin jobs but hated answering the phone. Then became a teacher (currently SEN school), which wasn’t too bad at first but job has changed so much, there’s lots that causes anxiety, although I love the kids.

Ideally, I want to work from home on my creative business full-time. One day!

Could someone please post a link to the ADHD thread?

Pharmacy technician. I’m exhausted all the time from the contact with people and the sensory overload so i sleep all weekend but not working is not an option for me and this is all i know.

Run my own gardening business, I know this is not for everyone but I answer to no one but my clients and I love it.

I work as a nanny. Contact with children doesn’t burn me out the way contact with adults does. I spend most of my time alone with them, aside from a short club/playgroup each day, and I love it.

I work as a translator, and work from home 90% of the time. It's the social interaction on Teams and calls on team that I struggle with the most. I don't mind being in the office some of the time and can talk to people one to one for a limited period of time face to face, but my heart races everytime I have to do anything on Teams.

DS has autism- works full time in a lab doing chemistry/maths/physics while testing! - it is fairly physical as well but those subjects are so him - luckily a small friendly family feel to the place - they all know him and understand him and his odd little quirks but he does a good job. I think there are a few others like him who work there- he is massively analytical which is what they want and need.

I'm self employed in a creative capacity (painty, kind of niche trade). It's good because I can go at my own pace, and to be honest I only manage about 4-5 hours of sustained work a day on top of looking after the kids, unless I'm working on site. I'm pretty much over beating myself up about my low productivity. I just do what I can.

Process improvement for a charity in the financial sector. I work a condensed week and manage my own workload which really helps. I do still struggle, but it's a struggle I can cope with rather than feeling like I'm drowning like I did when I worked in a call centre.

My ASD diagnosed DS works in construction - multiskilled worker - his brain power helps him hugely esp problem solve, his dexterity hinders him slightly, but he loves the banter and physical side of things.

His ASD shows through in how he lives at home which is improving. I just close his door tbf, and only help if he asks, lol!

I am a freelance tv director, I tend to have very busy periods and I can power through ok, but then I need time to recover and basically don't get out of bed for a few days.

I am very lucky to have a supportive DH who does a lot of the household stuff.

I’m a scientist. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been any good at - I don’t have a creative bone in my body, and tbh struggle with empathy so would be terrible in any kind of caring role. I like my job, and can get very into the things I’m working on.

I run my own dog walking business.

I'm a senior graphic designer for a global market research company :D