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Finding jobs for people living with autism

If you’re living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we understand how hard looking for

work can be. That’s why we want to help you find a fulfilling job, with an employer that

supports your way of thinking and working

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We support job seekers living with ASD

According to studies commissioned by Amaze, 20% of Australians living with autism have lost their job due to their condition. We’re dedicated to decreasing this number.

At APM, we help job seekers living with an injury, illness or disability, including developmental disabilities like ASD, find and keep meaningful work and thrive in the workplace.

Work can be helpful for people living with autism as it can:

  • Provide a sense of purpose and meaning to daily life
  • Increase financial independence
  • Build self-esteem
  • Create a weekly routine and structure

If you’d like help to find employment in a workplace that will support your unique needs, APM can help.

Keep reading to discover our advice on finding a job for people living with autism, and register below to get started on your employment journey.

Register now

Register for APM Disability Employment Services


 
 

What to look for in a job when you’re living with autism

People living with autism are capable of finding and keeping a job in a range of different industries and workplaces.

Behavioural symptoms, ways of thinking, skills and interests vary from person to person, which means there is no single job that is perfect for everyone living with autism.

However, in your job search, focus on finding a role that aligns with how you process information, and allows you to use your strengths every day.

While everyone’s experience with autism is unique, you may like to consider the following job features:

What are my strengths?

Are you a strong visual thinker with an excellent long-term memory?

Are you good with numbers and facts?

Think about how your skills and strengths make you a valuable addition to different types of workplaces.
 

What tasks do I perform best with?

Do you find it difficult to multitask?

Do you work best with repetitive tasks that have a clear endpoint?

Think about the types of jobs that will empower you to do your best work.

 

What environment do I work best in?

Do you function best in a quiet, odourless environment?

Do you find social interaction challenging?

Think about which types of workplaces would be most safe and supportive for you.


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Good job ideas for people living with autism

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We know that your experience with ASD is unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all list of jobs that will work for you.

However, here are some ideas to get you thinking about what employment could best suit you.

Remember, when looking through these job suggestions consider your unique skills, capabilities and needs. If you’re having trouble deciding what job is best for you, we can help.

Speaking to one of APM’s employment consultants can help you discover other workplaces you may not have considered before, and that may be more suitable for your situation.

If you’re a visual thinker with a curiosity about coding and a strength with numbers, you might enjoy working as a computer programmer. Computer programmers can work as freelancers or as part of a larger company.

If you’re great at memorising things and have a good sense of space, taxi driving might be a rewarding job for you. Taxi drivers who have excellent knowledge of the local area can choose the most efficient way to bring people to their destination.

Statisticians look closely at data and apply mathematical techniques to help solve real-world problems. You might find this a fulfilling career choice if you’re good with numbers and can work methodically.

Stocking shelves in a department store or grocery store could be a good job if you work best with repetitive tasks. You’ll need to be able to lift and carry boxes as well as organise products on the shelf.

If you have a special passion or interest, you could turn that into a career as a researcher. Researchers work in all sorts of fields from mathematics to literature, physics and history. Their job involves collecting and analysing data, information and facts.

Mechanics build and repair different types of machinery such as cars, air conditioning or bicycles. If you are good at problem-solving and like to have a clear endpoint for your work, a job as a mechanic might interest you.

Do you thrive with repetition and clearly defined tasks? You might be a great factory worker. In this role, you could do tasks such as assembling parts, sorting and packing products and operating machinery.


*Please note that these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone with autism. These job suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances including, but not limited to, their current experience with autism.

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What employment services does APM offer?

APM is Australia's largest provider Disability Employment Services, a government-funded program which helps people living with injury, illness or disability find and keep work.

We can help you with things like:

  • Career advice
  • Finding suitable job opportunities
  • Meeting local employers
  • Writing resumes and job applications
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Accessing training
  • Accessing mental health support
  • Ongoing workplace support
  • Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
  • Accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed at work
  • Workplace assessments to help identify what support is right for you

Register now

Ready to get started?

Register now to see if you’re eligible for our Disability Employment Services program and start your employment journey.

Register now

FINDING THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU

Your personal job plan

APM helps job seekers succeed in their search with tailored job support and guidance.

Identify your strengths:

  • Many individuals with disabilities have unique strengths that can be valuable in the workforce. It’s important to identify and communicate these to potential employers.
  • At APM, we have a team of experienced career consultants who can help you to identify your strengths and match them to suitable job opportunities. Strengths can include things like creativity, empathy and perseverance that can be valuable in many roles.
  • Our goal is to help you find a job that suits your skills and interests, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.

Building a job around you:

  • Explore realistic job options where you can succeed
  • Develop a personal strategy that includes job searches, resumes and interviews
  • Discuss your support needs with your employer
  • Look at any requirements for equipment or workplace modifications to help you perform a specific job
  • Consider what support you might need when you start working

4 steps to making a positive change in
your life

When you register with APM, we check your eligibility for the program, and help you get started. We guide you through the Centrelink process and your initial assessment, which decides your capacity for employment and suitability for the program.

Apply online

Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next couple of days to discuss further.

Register now

Schedule Appointment 

Meet your dedicated employment consultant at your nearest APM office.

Talk to us

Discuss your disability or health condition, and employment needs.

Get started

Your employment journey begins!

WHEN YOU FIND A JOB

Our support doesn’t stop when you start working.

We also want to make sure you and your employer have everything you need to be a success together.

Depending on your level of support and the job you start, we work together to make sure you’re able to work safely and effectively.

This can include helping you access training, job coaching, performance monitoring, and understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.

We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts you may have so we can help avoid any misunderstandings and create a culture of support and inclusion.

If you need ongoing support for long periods of time we will also discuss this with you and establish a support structure.

Our goal is to see you enjoy rewarding and long-term employment and ensure you have the right level of support to succeed.

Get in touch with our teams to find out more.

Register now
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ADVICE & OTHER RESOURCES

Other advice that may help you find a job

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How to know if you have autism. The common signs and symptoms, how to get a diagnosis and where to get support.

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We explore what anxiety is, when you should ask for help, and detail different anxiety disorders including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and more.

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Explore our comprehensive guide to understanding and living with anxiety. Learn about coping strategies, work tips, treatments, when to get professional help and ways to support others living with anxiety disorders.

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