In the U.S., autism has been diagnosed in about one in 36 children, according to the National Autism Association. Autism, a bio-neurological developmental difference, affects every child differently. Some display differences in communication, while others engage in social and play activities differently than a neurotypical child might.2
Although every child with ASD is unique in their own way, they can all benefit from early and ongoing intervention, which can help them thrive, overcome challenges and, often, grow up to become well-functioning members of society. They may be assisted by a diverse team of professionals, which might include case managers, psychiatrists, special education teachers and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). If you’re passionate about empowering autistic kids, you might consider pursuing one of the following careers in the autism field.
Having a child diagnosed with autism is challenging, and it presents a significant learning curve. Parents and other caregivers must not only learn more about the diagnosis and what it means for their child but also figure out how to obtain needed services and how to best support their child at home and in other environments.
A case manager fulfills a vital support role for families. They meet with children and their caregivers, develop an understanding of their needs and help connect them to the resources and services they need. Case managers are advocates for their clients who work to improve quality of life and arrange for early intervention services. In short, case managers help families navigate the healthcare and social services system.
A program coordinator’s job duties could vary widely, depending on their employer. For example, a program coordinator might develop, implement and evaluate various community-based activities designed to support kids, teens or adults with autism spectrum disorders. The program coordinator might also supervise the participants, ensuring their safety and well-being and troubleshooting any problems that may arise.
Alternatively, these types of careers in autism might focus on developing, implementing and evaluating educational activities for school children with autism. They might coordinate with parents, children, teachers, behavior analysts and behavior technicians. They might assist with the creation of behavior intervention plans, participate in meetings with parents and evaluate the progress of the children.
Kids with developmental differences benefit from personalized education that meets their unique needs. Special education teachers fulfill this need, working one-on-one with students and providing instruction in small groups. Special education teachers are charged with creating learning materials and developing lessons that enable students to overcome learning difficulties, such as those related to communication, sensory input or social cues.
Special education teachers are also responsible for developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with other professionals and the child’s parents. Each child in special education receives an IEP, which is highly personalized. It’s a dynamic document, meaning that it’s periodically reviewed and updated as the child achieves their goals or their needs change. An IEP specifies:
- The child’s specific needs and goals
- The communication supports needed
- Any necessary environmental modifications
- All other services, resources and modifications required, including behavioral intervention and sensory supports
Special education teachers are responsible for ensuring that each child’s IEP meets their needs. They’re also responsible for implementing it.
A speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, can help autistic individuals work on overcoming a wide range of problems. These include:
- Using communication supports
- Improving verbal and social communication skills
- Learning to recognize social cues
- Improving reading and writing skills
- Taking turns in a conversation
- Getting along with others
- Transitioning from one task to another or one setting to another
In addition, speech therapists work with family members or other caregivers to help them learn how to support the child at home. They may provide guidance on positive reinforcement, encouraging communication skills and providing opportunities for play activities and skill development.
