In addition to the other challenges that come with parenting a child on the autism spectrum, many mothers and fathers of ASD children struggle with finding a job that allows them to balance the needs of their family against the needs of their employer. These parents earn less money than their peers and face a number of specific challenges, including finding appropriate childcare, scheduling conflicts related to therapy and specialist appointments, and fulfilling the non-standard emotional needs of their children. However, there are several great careers that offer the flexibility and job satisfaction these parents require.
Qualities to Look For in an Autism-Friendly Job
According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder earned 56% less money than mothers of children with no diagnosed health issues. Coupled with the increased expenses of providing therapy and education for a child with autism, these parents often struggle financially. Finding the right career and an understanding employer are essential to removing some of this financial stress from families that may already be under emotional strain.
If you're a parent supporting a child with autism, look for a job with some or all of these qualities:
- Sufficient income for your family's needs, whether you're the sole breadwinner or are sharing support
- Good health benefits to cover treatments and therapies
- Flexible schedule to allow you to attend appointments and meetings for your child
- Emotionally supportive work environments with an employer and co-workers who understand the challenges you face
- Work that allows your feel fulfilled
- Ability to work from home as needed
- On-site daycare that accepts children with autism
The following jobs offer some or all of these qualities.
Education Professional or Paraprofessional
If your child is already in school, working in the same school district is a great way to earn an income and still be available if your child needs you. From administrators to teachers and support staff, there are a variety of education jobs available.
Benefits for Parents of ASD Children
There are several reasons an education-related job may be ideal for you:
- You could share a schedule with your school-aged child.
- You'll have great health benefits to help cover the cost of therapy and treatment.
- Your co-workers will understand your child's diagnosis and the challenges faced by your family.
- You can check on your child during any non-scheduled periods.
- You can develop a closer relationship with your child's teachers and paraprofessionals.
Is It Right for You?
Despite some of its advantages, education is not the right field for everyone. There can be high competition of teaching jobs, and district cut-backs can reduce job security. Additionally, some parents of children on the spectrum simply don't have the extra energy to put into a child-centered career like education.
Most education jobs require a college degree. If you aren't already certified as a teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, or other school professional, you many need to go through several years of training and education. This isn't practical for all families.
Employment Resources
The United States Department of Education offers a number of resources for people considering a career in education. Additionally, your local school district will have information about open positions and other opportunities. Nearby colleges and universities also offer resources for those who want to get retrained for the education field.
School Bus Driver
If you're looking for a job that has part-time hours and good benefits, driving a school bus might be another great option. Some school districts employ their bus drivers directly, while others contract with outside transportation companies. Either way, you'll only need to be away from your child during set shifts, usually lasting only a few hours each.
Benefits for Parents of ASD Children
Interested in driving a school bus? These are a few reasons you may want to consider this job:
- You'll work part time, which gives you time to care for your child.
- You'll receive health insurance benefits, rare in part-time work.
- Training is relatively minor, often consisting of on-the-job programs or short courses.
- You can work with kids.
- Some districts may allow you to bring your child with you on the bus, although this varies from district to district.
Is It Right for You?
Because training for this job is usually provided by the company or school district and often doesn't involve a lot of coursework, this may be perfect if you don't want to get a new degree in order to change professions. However, the part-time nature of the work and relatively low hourly pay, which varies by district, add up to a fairly small annual income. If you're supporting your family on your own, this may not be enough to live on.
Additionally, if you can't find childcare and the district doesn't allow you to bring your child, this job may not work for you.
Employment Resources
You'll need to get your commercial driver's license (CDL) before you can apply for school bus driver jobs in your area. Additionally, you'll need a high school diploma or GED.
When you're ready to apply, check out the ads in your local newspaper, contact your school district, or search a site like CareerBuilder.com for open positions.
In-Home Daycare Provider
If you love kids and want to work at home where you can take care of yours, working as an in-home daycare provider might be the perfect career for you. Depending on the amount of care your child with autism requires, you may be able to care for one or more other children.
Benefits for Parents of ASD Children
If you decide to care for children in your home, you can expect some of these benefits:
- You'll get lots of time with your child.
- You don't have to worry about finding an autism-friendly daycare center for your child.
- You can choose the hours that your daycare is open, allowing you to attend meetings or go to appointments.
- Your child will get the social exposure of spending time with neurotypical children.
Is It Right for You?
If you're especially interested in having time at home with your child, being an in-home daycare provider might be the perfect choice. This career doesn't require a great deal of training or advanced education, although you'll need to meet the certification standards of your individual state.
Since you'll be self-employed, this job doesn't come with health benefits. Additionally, you may find it difficult to adjust your schedule on the fly, since the parents of your charges will need to count on you for specific hours of the day. If you find that you're too tired to care for more than your own child or that your child's special needs are so significant that you can't properly care for additional kids, this may not be the job for you.
Employment Resources
Since daycare provider certification requirements vary from state to state, you'll need to contact your own state government to find out about the laws in your area. Typically, you'll need to work with your states Department of Children and Families.
For more information about becoming a home daycare provider, contact the National Association of Child Care Professionals.
Freelance Photographer, Writer, or Designer
As the parent of a child with special needs, you've seen first hand the difference a good therapist can make in a child's life. There are many kinds of therapists, including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and autism specialists. Although many therapists work in clinics, hospitals, and schools, others have private businesses and travel to their clients' homes. This type of job can be ideal for the parent of a child on the autism spectrum.
Benefits for Parents of ASD Children
Here are a few reasons being an independent therapist might be perfect for your situation:
- You can set your own hours, setting appointments in the evening or on weekends.
- You can choose to have as many or as few clients as you'd like.
- Your training and experience will increase your ability to work with your own child.
- You'll know that you're helping other families like yours in a lasting and practical way.
- You can provide emotional support for other families facing similar challenges.
Is It Right for You?
One of the biggest things to consider when choosing a career as an independent therapist is the amount of training involved. Most therapists have at least a Master's degree in their field, and many have undergone rigorous on-the-job training as well. If you aren't yet certified as a therapist, you may not have the time and energy available to complete the education and training required.
Additionally, being your own boss means you don't have health insurance as part of your job. This can be very challenging for families with children on the autism spectrum.
Employment Resources
The following professional associations can provide you with more information about becoming a therapist:
- The American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
You can also contact your local university to learn about training programs.
Use Your Strengths
Facing the challenge of autism has brought out your strength as a parent. Likely, the experience has increased your sensitivity, your perseverance, your research skills, and many other important talents. Despite the difficulty of finding a career that allows you to balance your work responsibilities with your child's care and treatment, you'll be able to use your unique strengths to shine as an employee as well as a parent.
