February 4, 2025

Top 5 Best Jobs for Autistic Adults

If your child has autism spectrum disorder, you may worry about their future prospects. Will they be able to live independently? And if so, what kind of jobs are available for adults with autism?

Experts agree that autism symptoms change and develop over time. As your child ages, they may develop and enhance job-related skills, such as attention to detail, problem-solving, self-motivation, and communication.

These qualities can help your child succeed. From research to computer programming to animal care, there are so many opportunities available in the best jobs for autistic adults.

Learn more about the workplace-oriented skills to help your child cultivate, the careers they can look forward to, and how Developmental Pediatrics can support your efforts in this guide.

Skills Autistic Adults Can Leverage

Adults with autism have a variety of skills that are easily translatable to the workplace. Understanding these qualities enables parents to identify which areas to start working on with their children today.

To set your child up for a successful future career, focus on strengths like attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, written communication, and independence.

Focused and Detail-Oriented

Deep focus and attention to detail are two superpowers many adults and kids with autism possess. These skills are invaluable in many different kinds of workplaces, especially in careers that call for accuracy and precision.

Analytical Problem Solvers

Individuals on the autism spectrum are often excellent problem solvers. They excel at analyzing situations and breaking them down into smaller parts, which can come in handy in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs.

Written Communicators

Communication abilities vary depending on the individual with autism. However, even autistic adults who struggle with verbal communication often excel at expressing their thoughts and ideas in writing.

Independent and Self-Motivated

Independence is another skill that varies among people with autism. Those with a strong sense of independence and self-motivation are well-suited to fields requiring a high degree of autonomy, such as writing or editing.

5 Best Jobs for Autistic Adults

Any job can be an excellent fit for people with autism. With access to a structured environment, predictable routines, and disability accommodations, adults with autism can and do excel in all kinds of workplaces.

However, some jobs are more rewarding than others for people on the autism spectrum. That’s why research, writing, computer programming, data entry, and animal care are some of the best jobs for autistic adults.

1. Research

Research jobs can be as simple as gathering information from online sources. Other research jobs in the sciences fields may require complex skill sets, such as data collection, analysis, and presentation.

Adults with autism often enjoy the deep level of focus and autonomy required of researchers. Research jobs are also ideal for autistic adults who love to solve complex problems and communicate their findings via words or numbers.

Job prospects are excellent for people wanting to pursue a career in research. Salaries may range from $60,000 for a survey researcher up to over $100,000 per year for medical scientists and information technology researchers.

2. Writing

As a creative field, writing is one of the best jobs for neurodiverse brains in general. However, it is particularly great for adults with autism because it requires many of the other skills they excel at.

For example, writing requires deep focus and a strong sense of self-motivation. Many writers work independently. As a plus, this field allows people with autism to enhance their communication skills.

Writing is a diverse field encompassing jobs in industries from marketing to publishing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for US writers is an impressive $73,150 per year.

3. Computer Programming

With the increasing use of internet technology, computer programmers are in high demand today. These highly skilled professionals create, test, and maintain software products for individuals, businesses, and the government.

Autistic adults with skills in problem-solving and attention to detail are ideal for a career in computer programming. This job also requires independence and self-motivation since many programmers work virtually from home.

The demand for workers with computer programming skills also means impressive annual salaries. The BLS reports that the median salary for computer programmers is around $98,000 per year.

4. Data Entry

Many adults with autism identify as non-visual thinkers, making data entry the perfect job. Data entry involves collecting information from one source, entering it into a database, and organizing the results.

Relevant skills required to become a successful data entrist include the ability to work independently and pay close attention to detail. This job is especially suited for autistic individuals who love to organize and work with numbers.

Data entry may not be one of the highest-paying jobs on our list. The BLS reports that most data entrists earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. Still, this job is a highly attainable and stable job for adults with autism.

5. Animal Care

Research shows that animal interaction is an effective therapy for individuals with autism, especially for improving social interaction. But animal care is also one of the best careers for adults with autism.

Job roles include titles like veterinary technicians, trainers, and animal support technicians. These careers allow adults with autism to hone their empathy and patience while leaning on strengths like independence and focus.

Animal care and service workers will enjoy excellent future job prospects, with the field growing 16% every year these days. And with a median annual salary of around $30,000, autistic adults can earn a respectable living, too.

Autism Support for Your Future Job Seeker

It’s never too early to start thinking about the types of jobs your child with autism would be a good fit for. We hope this list of the best jobs for autistic adults has inspired you to help your child start cultivating their skills now.

Do you need support for your child who is on the autism spectrum? Developmental Pediatrics offers assessments and customized planning services to parents of autistic kids in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.