Autism-pedia / Work / Kinds of workbrianspringer.com
Work

Kinds of work

Which fields and jobs autistic adults work in, how strong the evidence is for an "autism advantage" at work, what is known about self-employment, remote work and autistic health professionals, and how autistic writers describe choosing work.

Autistic adults do many kinds of jobs, not just jobs with computers. This page looks at where they work, whether being autistic makes someone better at a job, and what is known about working for yourself, working from home, and being autistic in a health job.

Last reviewed 13 October 2026 · one person's reading of the research · 40 research and 15 community sources

Where autistic adults work Established

Autistic adults work in many kinds of jobs, and which jobs depends a great deal on who is counted. In a nationally representative US sample, surveyed in 2009, of young adults aged 21 to 25 who had received special education under the autism category, 53.4% had ever worked for pay since high school, the lowest share of any disability group.1 Their jobs were concentrated in fewer occupational types than those of young adults with learning disabilities, speech or language impairments or emotional disturbance. Among those with a job, the most common were office and administrative support (18.5%), transportation and material moving (13.8%), production (13.4%), food preparation and serving (12.1%), and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance (11.6%); these estimates are imprecise.1 In a smaller study of 66 young adults who had recently left school in two US states, most of whom (74%) had intellectual disability, 56% spent time in sheltered workshops or day activity centers.2

Samples of adults without intellectual disability look different. In 185 adults diagnosed at a German university clinic, most of them as adults and none of those who had an IQ test scoring below 70, the 103 who were working were most often in health, social and teaching work (23.3%, against 17.7% of the German workforce) and in administration, accounting and law (19.4%, against 20.6%). Natural sciences, geography and informatics made up 15.5%, about four times the general rate of 3.6%, and production work was less common than in the workforce (12.6% against 22.5%).3 Almost a third (31.3%) had more education than their current job required. Fewer than half of the people invited to the German survey answered it.3 In a survey of 1,115 employed autistic adults in the Netherlands, most of them women, compared with national workforce data, autistic workers were over-represented in healthcare and welfare, information technology, and the public sector, army and charities, and under-represented in finance and in industry and construction.4

In UK graduate surveys from 2012 to 2018, the most common sector for 2,935 employed graduates who reported being autistic was education (18%). They were more often in information and communication (13%, against 7% of graduates without a disability) and in wholesale and retail (15%, against 10%), and less often in professional, scientific and technical work (8%, against 12%).5 In an Australian study of 59 employers of autistic staff, the employers were mainly in health care and social assistance (26.3%), retail (15.8%) and education and training (10.5%), with information, media and telecommunications at 3.5%, roughly the country's overall mix of industries.15

Autistic adults work in many kinds of jobs. Which jobs depends on which group of people a study looks at.

One big US study, done in 2009, looked at young adults aged 21 to 25. They had all had extra help at school because they were autistic. Only about half had ever had a paid job. That was the lowest share of any disability group.1 Their jobs were less varied than those of some other groups. The most common were office work, moving goods, factory work, food service and cleaning.1 In a smaller US study, most young people had an intellectual disability. More than half spent time in sheltered workshops or day centers.2

Other studies looked at autistic adults without an intellectual disability. In Germany, the most common jobs were in health, care and teaching. Science and computer jobs were about four times as common as in other workers. About 3 in 10 had more schooling than their job needed.3 In the Netherlands, autistic workers were more often in health care, computer jobs and public service. They were less often in banking, building and factories.4

In the UK, the most common place for autistic university graduates to work was education. They were less often in science and professional jobs than other graduates.5 In Australia, employers of autistic staff were mostly in health care, shops and education. Few were in computer and media companies.15

Suggest a correction
Established

Independent surveys in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and Australia agree that autistic adults without intellectual disability work across many sectors, with IT over-represented but a minority. All are cross-sectional and descriptive, and each specific figure comes from a single study. The US special-education data date from 2009 and show a narrower range of jobs; no more recent US occupational data were found.

See also
Established

Surveys in several countries agree that autistic adults without an intellectual disability work in many kinds of jobs. Each number comes from one survey, though.

Word
Intellectual disability

Finding learning and everyday problem-solving much harder than most people, starting in childhood.

See also

The tech stereotype Emerging

One dated US dataset gives the idea that autistic people belong in technology some basis, mainly among men. In the same 2009 special-education sample, 34.3% of the autistic young adults who went to college and reported a major chose a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subject. That was higher than in the other disability groups, and above the 22.8% reported for all US students in a separate national survey. Computer science alone accounted for 16.2%, against 6.6% in that survey. But only 32% of the autism group had enrolled in college at all, and STEM majors were far more common among the men (39%) than the women (3%), an estimate based on very few women.6 In the Dutch study, being a man and having a higher degree predicted working in IT, and most of those in healthcare and welfare were women.4

Other studies point away from tech. A participatory survey found STEM majors slightly less common among 92 autistic university students than among 774 non-autistic students (48.9% against 53.4%), although the two groups were recruited differently.7 UK autistic graduates had more often studied creative arts and design (19% of men and 23% of women, against 7% and 9% of graduates without a disability), though autistic men had also studied computer science more often (16% against 7%). The authors say this helps challenge "the STEM stereotype".5

Industry autism hiring programs have focused on technical roles. Of 33 employees interviewed in two Australian industry-led programs, 29 were men; their work included IT security, automation, data analysis, software testing and records management, and no one with intellectual disability took part.8 The authors of a global survey of autistic workers in general, not program participants, open by noting that "preliminary evidence suggests that such programs are inadvertently attracting mainly White males"; in their own survey, women and non-binary respondents reported a lower sense of inclusion and belonging at work.9 In an analysis of posts on one online autism forum, women posting there described job searches "further limited by assumptions about stereotypical jobs to which they should aspire", and the authors recommend encouraging autistic women into "non-traditional areas of employment".10 Researchers replying to the business case for these programs argued that stereotypes such as the "talented nerd lacking social graces" risk overlooking how varied autistic people are, and that ignoring individual differences could mismatch people to jobs and neglect their range of interests.11

A stereotype is a fixed idea about a whole group. Many people think autistic people belong in computer jobs. There is some truth in it for men. In one US study, about a third of autistic college students chose science, technology, engineering or maths. That was more than in other groups. But only about a third of the autistic young people went to college at all. And far more men than women chose these subjects, though very few women were in the study.6 In the Netherlands, men were more likely to work in computer jobs, and women in health care.4

Other studies do not fit the stereotype. In one survey, autistic students chose these subjects slightly less often than other students.7 In the UK, autistic graduates had studied art and design about three times as often as other graduates. Autistic men had also studied computer science more often.5

Some big companies run hiring programs for autistic people. These programs have focused on computer jobs. In one study of two programs, almost all the workers were men, and nobody had an intellectual disability.8 Other researchers say these programs mostly attract white men.9 In posts on one online forum, autistic women said ideas about which jobs suit women held them back.10 Some researchers warn that the "talented nerd" picture can put people in the wrong jobs.11

Suggest a correction
Emerging

Studies of college majors disagree, and the gender findings come from single studies with few women. Program samples are small and mostly male. No study tests directly whether the tech image steers people away from other work.

Word
STEM

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

See also
Emerging

Studies of what autistic students choose to study do not agree. The findings about women come from studies with very few women.

Word
STEM

Science, technology, engineering and maths.

See also

The autism advantage claim Emerging

Since the mid-2010s, companies with autism hiring programs have described autistic employees as an asset. In a 2017 Harvard Business Review article, the business professors Robert Austin and Gary Pisano wrote that managers of neurodiversity programs at SAP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and other firms report "productivity gains, quality improvement, boosts in innovative capabilities, and broad increases in employee engagement". They reported that "preliminary results suggest" software-testing teams that Hewlett Packard Enterprise placed at an Australian government department were "30% more productive than the others", without giving a method or data.12 A 2019 editorial co-written by Austin acknowledged that the field lacked "evidence-based research that scrutinizes the benefits and challenges".13

As of 2020, a systematic review found six eligible studies, two quantitative and four qualitative, with 107 autistic participants, and concluded there was "no strong evidence supporting or negating" a workplace autism advantage. Five of the six studies relied on subjective reports rather than objective, blinded assessment, and the reviewers found that most advantage claims rested on anecdote, clinical opinion or experimental tasks.14 In the main workplace study, Australian employers rated 59 employees diagnosed with "Asperger's" or "high-functioning autism" (the study's terms) against 96 colleagues in similar jobs, using single, unblinded ratings. The autistic employees were rated better on attention to detail and work ethic and worse on flexibility, with no significant difference in productivity or quality of work. Employers reported no significant difference in the cost of supervising or training them.15 About a quarter of the employers approached took part, and about half had hired their autistic employee through a disability employment service. The authors note that the employers who responded may have been those with the most positive experiences.15

Laboratory work on attention to detail is mixed. In a simulated airport luggage screening task, 13 autistic men without intellectual disability were as accurate as matched controls but slower, and they improved faster at clearing bags with nothing in them.16 Meta-analyses disagree on detail. One, of 56 studies of visual processing, found no enhanced processing of local detail in autism, only slower processing of the overall picture.17 Another found small advantages for autistic people on some detail tasks, such as copying block patterns or finding a shape hidden in a figure, but no clear difference in mentally rotating shapes, and large unexplained differences between studies.27 In interviews, 24 UK autistic adults most often named hyperfocus, attention to detail, memory and creativity as strengths, but the same trait could help or hinder depending on the setting.18 Later studies of strengths at work have also been small and based on self-report, such as a 2022 survey in which 66 autistic adults named strengths including creativity, focus, memory and honesty.28

The workplace study, the luggage task and the interview study are three of the six studies in the 2020 review, so they do not add to its evidence. Several studies of autism employment programs, including the review, come from one group at La Trobe University. Its authors disclose funding from DXC Technology, which runs an autism work program, among other funders.14,8,13

Often saidAutistic employees are more productive.
Evidence

No published study has measured this objectively or blind. Employer ratings in one study found no difference in productivity, and the best-known figure is a preliminary company result.15,12

Some business writers say autistic workers are an advantage for companies. In 2017, two business professors wrote that managers saw better work and more new ideas.12 They also said one team of autistic software testers was 30% more productive. But they called this an early result and showed no data.12

By 2020, researchers looked for every good study on this question. They found only six small ones. They said there was no strong evidence for or against an autism advantage.14 In the main workplace study, employers rated autistic workers better at noticing details and at working hard. They rated them less flexible. There was no difference in how much work got done, or in training costs.15 Only some employers took part, and they may have been the happiest ones.15

Lab tests are mixed. In a pretend airport bag-checking task, 13 autistic men were as accurate as other men, but slower.16 Reviews of many lab studies do not agree. One found autistic people were not better at seeing small details, just slower at seeing the whole picture.17 Another found small advantages on some detail puzzles.27 In one interview study, autistic adults most often named focus, detail, memory and creativity as strengths. But the same trait can help in one place and get in the way in another.18

Several of these studies come from one research team. Some of the team were paid by a company that runs an autism work program.14,8,13

Often saidAutistic workers get more done.
Evidence

No published study has measured this in a fair, careful way. In one study, employers saw no difference in how much work got done.15,12

Suggest a correction
Emerging

As of 2020, a systematic review found only six small studies and no strong evidence either way. The one workplace comparison uses unblinded employer ratings from a self-selected sample, the lab task tested 13 men, the two lab meta-analyses disagree, and the productivity figure most often quoted was never published with a method.

See also
Emerging

A careful review found only six small studies. They did not show an advantage, and they did not rule one out.

See also

Self-employment Emerging

Self-employment is often suggested for autistic people, but no study found as of October 2026 gives population figures on how many autistic adults are self-employed or what they earn. Large studies often count self-employment as employment, so self-employed people cannot be picked out.19 In interviews with 18 autistic adults in the UK about their careers, some said they turned to self-employment because it was the only way to get a workable environment. One said their business failed because they could not sell themselves and had no customers, and another's self-employed work dried up in the 2008 financial crash. The authors write that self-employment "should not be considered an adequate solution for non-inclusive and inaccessible workforces".20 A longitudinal study of disabled people in general, not autistic people specifically, found self-employment associated with better self-image; the authors suggest it may also improve self-efficacy and self-esteem.21

Self-employment means working for yourself, not for a boss. In the studies here, nobody has counted how many autistic adults do it.19 In the UK, some autistic adults said it was the only way to get a job that suited them. But one could not find customers. Another lost all their work in a money crash.20 The researchers say it should not be the only answer to jobs that shut autistic people out.20 One study looked at disabled people in general. Those working for themselves tended to see themselves more positively.21

Suggest a correction
Emerging

One small qualitative UK study, plus one study of disabled people in general. No population figures for autistic self-employment were found.

Emerging

This comes from one small interview study and one study of disabled people in general.

Remote and hybrid work Emerging

Remote work is widely recommended for autistic workers, but evidence on it is thin. A 2024 systematic review of 25 studies of neurodivergent workers, mostly from the pandemic, found very little research that statistically analyzed how working from home affects wellbeing or productivity, or that compared neurodivergent and neurotypical workers.22 Its recurring themes were the home sensory environment, which helped some and not others, no commute, flexibility set against lost routine, less masking, lost in-person contact, and more use of technology.22

Small studies show both sides. In a survey of 196 autistic adults in Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK early in the pandemic, some found working from home less stressful, with no travel and a quieter setting, while others struggled with motivation, time management or video calls.23 In interviews in Poland, four autistic women and their co-workers described less sensory overload, flexible hours and no commute, but also lost social contact and fewer chances to learn from colleagues.24 In an online survey by the same group, 140 autistic adults recruited through social media, mostly women, rated proposed technology-based accommodations on a scale of 1 to 5. Arranging and personalizing office space scored highest (4.79 each), followed by flexible working time (4.66) and remote work (4.43).25 In 23 autistic adults in Israel followed into the pandemic, the groups who moved home and who kept working in person did not differ significantly from each other. Within the six who moved home, mental health showed no clear change (a marginal fall) while their sense of competence and autonomy at work fell; the ten who kept working in person stayed stable.26

Remote work means working from home. Hybrid work mixes home and the workplace. Many people suggest it for autistic workers. But a review found very few studies that measured whether it helps.22 Workers said home could be quieter or harder, and that there was no travel. They also said they lost their routine and missed seeing people.22

Small studies found both good and bad sides. Some autistic adults found home less stressful. Others found it hard to get going or to manage time.23 In Poland, autistic women said home had less noise and fewer people, but less chance to learn from others.24 In a survey by the same team, autistic adults wanted flexible hours and remote work a lot. They wanted a workspace set up for them even more.25 In Israel, autistic adults who moved home to work did not do clearly worse than those who stayed. But they felt less able and less in control at work. The groups were very small.26

Suggest a correction
Emerging

Small studies from the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly qualitative; two of them come from one group in Poland and sampled mostly women. A systematic review found almost no studies that measured effects or compared neurodivergent and other workers.

Why the pandemic studies are hard to read

Working from home in 2020 came with lockdowns, school closures and job losses. Studies from that time cannot separate remote work from everything else that changed.

See also
Emerging

Most studies are small and were done during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few measured anything with numbers.

See also

Autistic health professionals Emerging

No study found as of October 2026 has counted how many autistic doctors, nurses or dentists there are. The literature is thin and mostly British. A review of education for neurodivergent medical students found 15 studies, several about dyslexia and only one about autism.29 A review of six UK studies of autistic healthcare students on clinical placement found strengths such as empathy and attention to detail set against sensory overload and a lack of tailored support.30 A review of nurses found 22 sources over two decades, 6 about autism.31 A nursing author wrote that research on autistic nurses "is almost non-existent",32 and dental writers say that "there are no data on how many dental practitioners are autistic".33 The largest survey of autistic doctors collected 225 answers from members of the support group Autistic Doctors International; 64% had a formal diagnosis, the rest identified as autistic, and the average age at diagnosis was 36. Most were working as doctors, most often in general practice (32%), psychiatry (18%) or anesthesia (11%).34

If they are diagnosed at all, autistic health professionals often keep it to themselves. In that survey, three quarters had not known or suspected they were autistic while at medical school, and of those who did know, 72% did not tell their medical school. At work, 29% had disclosed to no one and 8% had disclosed to their patients.34 Five autistic medical students at five UK schools had all told their school, but none received adjustments tailored to them: they were offered generic accommodations that several found unhelpful, and some were pushed to take time out or warned they might be excluded.35 A final-year nursing student wrote that shame and fear stopped him disclosing until a panic attack on the ward forced the issue.36 A review of nurses concluded that a diagnosis and disclosure expose nurses to discrimination, yet in current systems disclosure is also the only route to support.31

Masking runs through these accounts. The medical students described adapting themselves to appear non-autistic and watching their backs; they reported isolation, bullying and anxiety.35 Five UK doctors interviewed as they moved from student to qualified doctor described managing their identity, staying alert to social dynamics and lowering their expectations, which left them exhausted, at odds with their professional identity and making sacrifices in their personal lives.37 The 225-doctor survey reported 77% who had considered suicide, 24% who had attempted it and 49% who had self-harmed. Those figures are above the ranges the authors cite for doctors and for autistic adults in general. They caution that the sample was self-selected from a support group and that the findings show association, not cause.34

What autistic health professionals bring to autistic patients is the least studied part, and the evidence comes from the clinicians themselves. Autistic medical students named attention to detail, a methodical approach and empathy as strengths, and described patient interactions as easier than dealing with peers or staff.35 In one study, five autistic and five non-autistic midwives described caring for autistic service-users: the autistic midwives anticipated needs, recognized them without being told and adjusted care in advance, while the non-autistic midwives relied more on visible distress or on the patient disclosing. The authors call this experiential knowledge a form of professional expertise.38 Eight autistic psychiatrists said that, once they recognized their own autistic identity, they could spot autistic patients quickly and build rapport easily, and that before that they had missed autism in patients who shared their own traits.39 Cooper and colleagues note that the evidence autistic doctors relate better to autistic patients comes from qualitative studies of clinicians' own self-perceptions, not from patients' perspectives.40

No study found as of October 2026 has counted how many autistic doctors, nurses or dentists there are. Most of the research comes from the UK. One review looked at 15 studies of medical students. Most were about dyslexia. Only one was about autism.29 Another review looked at 6 UK studies of autistic health students. The students were good at caring and at noticing details. But busy places and little support made study hard.30 A review of nurses found 22 papers. Only 6 were about autism.31 One nurse wrote that research on autistic nurses "is almost non-existent".32 Dental writers say no one knows how many dentists are autistic.33 The biggest survey asked 225 autistic doctors. They all belonged to one support group. Most had a diagnosis. The average age when they found out was 36. Most kept working as doctors.34

The autistic doctors in that survey often did not tell people. Most had not known they were autistic at medical school. Of those who did know, 72 in 100 did not tell their medical school. At work, 29 in 100 had told no one. Only 8 in 100 had told their patients.34 Five autistic medical students had all told their school. But none got help made for them. They were given general help that some found useless. Some were told to take time off or that they might be asked to leave.35 One nursing student wrote that shame and fear stopped him telling anyone. A panic attack at work finally made him speak up.36 A review of nurses found that telling people can lead to unfair treatment. But without telling anyone, nurses cannot get the help they need.31

Hiding being autistic is tiring. The medical students tried to act non-autistic. They felt they had to watch their backs. They felt alone, bullied and worried.35 Five UK doctors said they controlled how they seemed and expected less of themselves. This left them worn out and unhappy with who they were as doctors.37 In the 225-doctor survey, 77 in 100 had thought about suicide. 24 in 100 had tried to kill themselves. 49 in 100 had hurt themselves. The authors say these numbers are higher than for doctors or autistic adults in general. They also say people chose to join the survey. So it shows a link, not a cause.34

What autistic health workers bring to autistic patients is studied the least. Autistic medical students said they were good at details, at working step by step, and at caring. They said talking to patients was easier than talking to other staff.35 In one study, five autistic midwives and five non-autistic midwives talked about caring for autistic patients. The autistic midwives guessed what was needed and changed the care early. The other midwives waited to see upset or to be told. The authors call this a kind of expert skill.38 Eight autistic psychiatrists said they could spot autistic patients quickly. They found it easy to get on with them, once they knew they were autistic themselves. Before that, they had missed autism in patients who were like them.39 One team says the idea that autistic doctors understand autistic patients better comes from the doctors. It does not come from patients.40

Suggest a correction
Emerging

Small qualitative studies and scoping reviews that do not grade the studies they collect, plus one self-selected survey of 225 doctors. Several of the studies of autistic doctors come from one research team and sample members of one support group, Autistic Doctors International. No study found as of October 2026 has counted how many autistic doctors, nurses or dentists there are.

Word
Scoping review

A review that maps what has been published on a topic without grading the quality of the studies it collects.

See also
Emerging

These are small studies and reviews. One survey asked 225 autistic doctors. No study found as of October 2026 has counted how many autistic doctors, nurses or dentists there are.

Word
Scoping review

A review that lists what has been written about a subject. It does not judge how good the studies are.

See also

In the community Community

Many autistic writers describe choosing work to fit their energy and senses rather than by field. Megan Griffith, an autistic and ADHD writer and content creator, sorts jobs by "fulfillment factors" such as helping others, a good mix of structure and novelty, and passion, and by burnout triggers such as long hours and rigid hierarchies. Her suggestions include the helping professions, self-employment and the trades; she writes that trades "tend to be even more accommodating of disability than office jobs" in her experience.c1 Daniel M. Jones advises readers to "build or create work experiences around your special interest", and writes that "self-employment is a good way to get started as an income for autistic people".c2 Griffith adds a caution: self-employment has "very little structure built into" it, and "it's not right for everyone."c1

Other writers describe self-employment as a way to control their own access. Carly Jones, an autistic advocate, writes that she has "had to remain self-employed because it means I can be in charge of my accessibility", and chooses to work for bosses who are trained in autism and disability, or are disabled themselves.c11 Luke Beardon, an autism educator, calls self-employment "a wonderful option" for some, though not everyone's skills allow it.c12 Daniel Burford, who has tried working for himself three times, writes that few accounts "include the part where it stops working and you go back", and that the reason autistic people struggle with it "is almost never the craft" but the invoicing, chasing and promoting around it.c13

Some writers describe autistic people being steered away from the work they chose. Bianca Toeps, a self-employed photographer, writes that working for herself lets her choose whom she works with.c3 She tells the story of Sander, whose business a civil servant called "hopeless" and "a hobby", and recounts a coach who called photography "completely unsuitable" for an autistic person; she writes that statements like that "can be disastrous to autistics".c4,c5

Writers differ on tech. Megan Anna Neff names tech, STEM, medicine and academia as fields often more "Autistic friendly", and adds that many autistic people "find relief" working remotely.c6 Devon Price writes, "We don't have good data on the careers that Autistic people successfully pursue", and that masked autistic people tend to be less interested in STEM than the stereotype suggests. Price reports autistic workers who preferred bartending or barista work to office jobs "because every interaction followed a predictable script", and others who found technical writing a good fit. Price also describes Obinna, an autistic tech support worker who, when his company ended remote work, won a six-month exemption and used it to find an all-remote job.c7

Eric Garcia, an autistic journalist, writes that "Autistic people work not just in technology or finance or even journalism but in every industry", and that the image of autistic people as "savants who understand computers better than they understand people" leaves many ignored.c8 He argues that success stories "put the onus on autistic people to find a super-skill that will make them an asset to employers", and that some employers set the bar impossibly high, "expecting autistic workers to be their secret sauce".c9,c10

Several writers describe fit in terms of conditions rather than fields. Burford's sustainable work is "Not a dream job. Not a passion." It is a sensory environment you can control, a predictable schedule, room for deep work, written communication, autonomy, recovery time and enough money; he suggests ranking these, and names stability as his own first need.c13 Pete Wharmby, an autistic writer and former teacher, calls working from home "a pretty huge positive for us" and argues that "home-working needs to remain on the table".c14 Paula, in Alex Ratcliffe's collection Our Autistic Lives, spent over 11 years assembling small electrical parts in a factory: "It was routine work; that's why I liked it."c15 Carly Jones writes that special interests can become an "employment base", and that they should be called "what it really is: an expertise".c11

Many autistic writers say to choose work that fits your energy and senses. Megan Griffith suggests helping jobs, working for yourself, and trades like plumbing. She warns that working for yourself is not right for everyone.c1 Daniel M. Jones says to build work around your special interest.c2

Some writers work for themselves to control how their work is set up. Carly Jones says this lets her be in charge of her own access needs.c11 Luke Beardon teaches about autism. He says working for yourself is a great choice for some people, but not for all.c12 Daniel Burford has tried it three times. He says the hard part is not the work itself. It is the bills, the chasing and the selling around it.c13

Bianca Toeps works for herself as a photographer. A coach told her photography was "completely unsuitable" for an autistic person. She says advice like that can do real harm.c3,c5 She tells of a man named Sander whose business an official called "a hobby".c4

Writers do not all agree about computer jobs. Devon Price says there is no good data on autistic careers. Price met autistic workers who liked bar and coffee shop jobs because talking with customers followed a script.c7 Megan Anna Neff says many autistic people feel relief working from home.c6 Eric Garcia says autistic people work in every kind of job.c8 He says people should not have to prove a special talent to get hired.c9,c10

Some writers say the setting matters more than the field. Burford lists what makes work last for him. These include control over noise and light, a steady schedule, written messages, freedom, rest and enough pay. He says to rank them and protect the top one.c13 Pete Wharmby says working from home helps many autistic people a lot.c14 Paula worked in a factory for over 11 years. Paula liked it because the work followed a routine.c15 Carly Jones says a special interest can grow into real expertise and a career.c11

Suggest a correction
Community

How autistic writers describe choosing work. These are accounts and advice, not research findings. The research on interests and work is in the Special interests entry.

See also
Community

This is what autistic writers say in their books. It is not research.

See also

Sources

Research

  1. 1Roux AM, Shattuck PT, Cooper BP, et al. Postsecondary Employment Experiences Among Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.05.019
  2. 2Taylor JL, Seltzer MM. Employment and Post-Secondary Educational Activities for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders During the Transition to Adulthood. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1070-3
  3. 3Frank F, Jablotschkin M, Arthen T, et al. Education and employment status of adults with autism spectrum disorders in Germany – a cross-sectional-survey. BMC Psychiatry, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1645-7
  4. 4Goldfarb Y, Assion F, Begeer S. Where do autistic people work? The distribution and predictors of occupational sectors of autistic and general population employees. Autism, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241239388
  5. 5Vincent J, Ralston K. Uncovering employment outcomes for autistic university graduates in the United Kingdom: An analysis of population data. Autism, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231182756
  6. 6Wei X, Yu JW, Shattuck P, et al. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Participation Among College Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1700-z
  7. 7Cheriyan C, Shevchuk-Hill S, Riccio A, et al. Exploring the Career Motivations, Strengths, and Challenges of Autistic and Non-autistic University Students: Insights From a Participatory Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.719827
  8. 8Bury SM, Zulla R, Spoor JR, et al. An ecological systems model of employee experience in industry-led autism employment programmes. Autism, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241241574
  9. 9Doyle N, McDowall A, Waseem U. Intersectional Stigma for Autistic People at Work: A Compound Adverse Impact Effect on Labor Force Participation and Experiences of Belonging. Autism in Adulthood, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2021.0082
  10. 10Nagib W, Wilton R. Gender matters in career exploration and job-seeking among adults with autism spectrum disorder: evidence from an online community. Disability and Rehabilitation, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1573936
  11. 11Bury SM, Hedley D, Uljarević M, et al. If you've employed one person with autism …: An individual difference approach to the autism advantage at work. Autism, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318794937
  12. 12Austin RD, Pisano GP. Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage. Harvard Business Review, 2017. https://hbr.org/2017/05/neurodiversity-as-a-competitive-advantage
  13. 13Krzeminska A, Austin RD, Bruyère SM, et al. The advantages and challenges of neurodiversity employment in organizations. Journal of Management & Organization, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2019.58
  14. 14Bury SM, Hedley D, Uljarević M, et al. The autism advantage at work: A critical and systematic review of current evidence. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103750
  15. 15Scott M, Jacob A, Hendrie D, et al. Employers' perception of the costs and the benefits of hiring individuals with autism spectrum disorder in open employment in Australia. PLOS ONE, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177607
  16. 16Gonzalez C, Martin JM, Minshew NJ, et al. Practice Makes Improvement: How Adults with Autism Out-Perform Others in a Naturalistic Visual Search Task. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1772-4
  17. 17Van der Hallen R, Evers K, Brewaeys K, et al. Global processing takes time: A meta-analysis on local–global visual processing in ASD. Psychological Bulletin, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000004
  18. 18Russell G, Kapp SK, Elliott D, et al. Mapping the Autistic Advantage from the Accounts of Adults Diagnosed with Autism: A Qualitative Study. Autism in Adulthood, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2018.0035
  19. 19Bury SM, Hedley D, Uljarević M, et al. Employment profiles of autistic people: An 8-year longitudinal study. Autism, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231225798
  20. 20Davies J, Melinek R, Livesey A, et al. 'I did what I could to earn some money and be of use': A qualitative exploration of autistic people's journeys to career success and fulfilment. Autism, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241292177
  21. 21Martin BC, Honig B. Inclusive Management Research: Persons with Disabilities and Self-Employment Activity as an Exemplar. Journal of Business Ethics, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04122-x
  22. 22Brooks SK, Hall CE, Rogers MB, et al. Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review. Occupational Medicine, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae095
  23. 23Maljaars J, Gijbels E, Evers K, et al. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Life: Diverse Experiences for Autistic Adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05437-x
  24. 24Tomczak MT, Mpofu E, Hutson N. Remote Work Support Needs of Employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Poland: Perspectives of Individuals with Autism and Their Coworkers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710982
  25. 25Tomczak MT, Ziemiański P. Autistic Employees' Technology-Based Workplace Accommodation Preferences Survey—Preliminary Findings. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105773
  26. 26Goldfarb Y, Gal E, Golan O. Implications of Employment Changes Caused by COVID-19 on Mental Health and Work-Related Psychological Need Satisfaction of Autistic Employees: A Mixed-Methods Longitudinal Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04902-3
  27. 27Muth A, Hönekopp J, Falter CM. Visuo-Spatial Performance in Autism: A Meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2188-5
  28. 28Cope R, Remington A. The Strengths and Abilities of Autistic People in the Workplace. Autism in Adulthood, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2021.0037
  29. 29Green EJ, Brown MEL, Vance GHS, et al. Undergraduate medical education for neurodivergent students: a scoping review. BMC Medical Education, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-08447-2
  30. 30Edwards E, Porter N, Handley-Stone R, et al. The experiences of autistic healthcare students in a clinical learning environment: A scoping review. Autism, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261427125
  31. 31Deterding K, Halabi Najjar R, Roach A, et al. Neurodivergence among nurses in the workforce: A scoping review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.70541
  32. 32Hedlund Å. Autistic nurses: do they exist? British Journal of Nursing, 2023. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2023.32.4.210
  33. 33Newey CR, Lewtas JF, Voller ME. Strategies to enable workplaces to support autistic clinicians in the dental workforce: learnings from the Buckland Review of Autism Employment. British Dental Journal, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-025-9346-3
  34. 34Shaw SCK, Fossi A, Carravallah LA, et al. The experiences of autistic doctors: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1160994
  35. 35Shaw SCK, Doherty M, Anderson JL. The experiences of autistic medical students: A phenomenological study. Medical Education, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.15119
  36. 36White JF. Neurodiversity & nursing: Reflection of a final year general nursing student. Nurse Education Today, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106318
  37. 37Keenan J, Doherty M, Shaw SCK. The experiences of autistic doctors transitioning into clinical practice in the UK: A phenomenological study. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1080/10401334.2025.2608185
  38. 38Warboys R, Robinson A. Autistic and non-autistic midwives' experiences of caring for autistic women and birthing-people. Midwifery, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2026.104933
  39. 39Doherty M, Chown N, Martin N, et al. Autistic psychiatrists' experiences of recognising themselves and others as autistic: a qualitative study. BJPsych Open, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2024.756
  40. 40Cooper S, Doherty M, Shaw SCK. The experiences of autistic medical students in relation to seeking and receiving online support: A phenomenological study. PLoS One, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345156

Community sources

  1. c1Griffith M. Welcome to AuDHD: How to Survive (and Thrive) as an Adult with Autism and ADHD. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2026. Chapter 4, "How to Succeed at Work", section "What kind of job works best for AuDHDers?". Megan Griffith's site
  2. c2Jones DM. Autism for Adults: An Approachable Guide to Living Excellently on the Spectrum. Page Street Publishing, 2023. Chapter 6, "Autism and the Workplace: Revealing the Honest Truth About Autistic Employment", section "Choosing a Career". Daniel M. Jones's site
  3. c3Toeps B. But You Don't Look Autistic at All. Self-published (English edition), 2020. Chapter 3, "Let's get chronological", section "Take two". Bianca Toeps's site
  4. c4Toeps B. But You Don't Look Autistic at All. Self-published (English edition), 2020. Chapter 4, "The diagnosis", section "Sander's story: looking for help". Bianca Toeps's site
  5. c5Toeps B. But You Don't Look Autistic at All. Self-published (English edition), 2020. Chapter 5, "Boundaries and limitations", section "About coaching". Bianca Toeps's site
  6. c6Neff MA. Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask! Adams Media, 2024. Chapter 6, "Professional Self-Care", section "Navigate Context Shifting in the Workplace". Megan Anna Neff's site
  7. c7Price D. Unmasking for Life: The Autistic Person's Guide to Connecting, Loving, and Living Authentically. Harmony Books, 2025. Chapter 4, "Work", section "Finding Work that Actually Works for You". Devon Price's site
  8. c8Garcia E. We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021. Chapter "That Ain't Workin'" (Work), section "Accommodations in the Office". Eric Garcia's site
  9. c9Garcia E. We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021. Chapter "That Ain't Workin'" (Work), section "My Career". Eric Garcia's site
  10. c10Garcia E. We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021. Chapter "That Ain't Workin'" (Work), section "From Struggling Employee to Business Owner". Eric Garcia's site
  11. c11Jones C. Safeguarding Autistic Girls: Strategies for Professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021. Chapter 5, "Designing and Sustaining a New Blueprint", sections "Employment" and "Job Interviews and Barriers to Employment".
  12. c12Beardon L. Autism in Adults. Sheldon Press, 2021. Chapter 9, "Employment", section "Self-employment".
  13. c13Burford D. The Unmasking Years: The Map No One Gave You After Your Diagnosis. Narrow Lake, 2026. Chapter 9, "Money, Work, and the Betrayal of 'Just Try Harder'", sections "Where I'm Standing" and "What Sustainable Actually Looks Like".
  14. c14Wharmby P. Untypical: How the World Isn't Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It. Mudlark, 2023. Chapter 6, "Employment and Other Hazards", section "The horrors of the workplace". Pete Wharmby's site
  15. c15Ratcliffe A, ed. Our Autistic Lives: Personal Accounts from Autistic Adults Around the World Aged 20 to 70+. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2019. Part "Our 70s and Beyond", chapter "Paula".