Wondering what job my ASD son will do

[Callywhoknows]

DS is 13, diagnosed with autism.

He is at a mainstream school and copes well. Many people don't see any autistic traits but at home we see his social anxiety, sensory issues etc. Sometimes he is too anxious to go to school and he doesn't go to any friend's parties or into town like his peers.

He loves.gaming and is happiest sitting at home. He also has a few interests but they don't involve leaving the house.

I'm wondering what he may do when he's older. Does anyone have any stories of what their autistic children have ended up doing?

DH and I are both employed in the NHS. I can't see DS doing a 'normal' employed job. I'm wondering if I need to encourage him to look into business studies etc with a view to setting up his own business.

I'm probably worrying too much. I do that quite often!

Hi @Callywhoknows - we are in the same position (except DS left mainstream and went for 5 years to a special school) but our DS is now 18.

He is autistic but also has Generalised Anxiety Disorder and an eating disorder.
Things worry me for his future and currently he’s having a year out, having finished 6th form slightly early before we think about what he will do.

He won’t chat to people in public or even family and friends on the phone so his job prospects down the ‘normal’ job route seem quite limited.
He’s currently enjoying doing some investing in funds and stocks and shares - which he enjoys learning about. We have no idea if that will come to anything but even things he seems interested job-wise, like the police or IT stuff, he won’t talk about because it’s super stressful for him.

I’m sorry I don’t have any answers but just wanted to say hi and that I know it’s definitely a worrying thing.

Not DC as they're not old enough but I have a DF with a DS with ASD, he's a Graphic Designer and I have a DF with ASD who works in admin in the NHS.