Jobs Working With Kids With Autism

Demand is growing for professionals equipped to work with individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism careers attract many people who are directly affected and have firsthand knowledge about the complexities of autism. Others are intrigued by autism and drawn to it. Most will attest that working as an autism specialist (in whatever capacity) is both rewarding and challenging. The types of jobs vary, but people that choose to work with the autistic population all have specialized training and coursework beyond a college degree.

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist is licensed and, most times, has an advanced degree. The therapist works privately in a clinic or within a school system. The goal of the therapist is to improve fine and gross motor skills. Many kids with autism struggle to hold a pencil, to tie their shoes or to button shirts. Additionally, the therapist works on improving sensory input, teaching the child to respond to incoming information in more appropriate ways. Examples are deep massages, brushing and swinging.

Special Education Teacher

The special education teacher or case manager)is certified by the state for elementary or secondary education, has a masters degree and works inside a school. Often, the teacher has special training in autism and has attended numerous professional development conferences paid by the district. He is given a caseload of students and might have three to five or more kids diagnosed with autism. Responsibilities are extensive and include developing an individualized education plan for each student, functional behavior assessments and behavioral plans, collecting data, and collaborating with parents and the regular teacher frequently.

Speech Therapist

A speech therapist has a masters degree and works privately in a clinical setting or for the public in a school district. Many kids diagnosed with an ASD struggle in the areas of speech and misuse language or miss verbal cues. If it's a nonverbal issue, gesturing and communication tools are used. For an individual with Asperger syndrome, the problem of pragmatics is addressed (using language in appropriate ways to communicate back and forth, reciprocally).

Applied Behavior Analyst

ABAs (applied behavior analysts) are either board certified, which requires extensive coursework beyond a college degree or they are trained and receive a license. New England Center for Children, for instance, trains paraprofessionals and teachers to use ABA. An ABA uses discrete trial methods and positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate social behavior. The demand for ABAs is high because of the efficacy of the method.

Paraprofessionals

A paraprofessional is hired by a district to work within a school as a 1:1 in an inclusion classroom,, or with more than one autistic child inside a resource room. Many districts require that a paraprofessional have at least an associate's degree with experience working with the autistic population. Other districts require, at the minimum, a bachelor's degree. Because of the nature of the job, all paraprofessionals should be provided training and workshops (paid by the district), so that they are knowledgeable about the particular features of autism spectrum disorders. Examples of duties include keeping the child on task with cueing and prompts, visual schedules, repeating instructions, reviewing a lesson, assisting with breaks and working alongside the teacher in a supportive manner.

Considerations

Working with kids diagnosed with an ASD is an ongoing learning experience. Research is forthcoming and some of the current approaches used now are considered experimental at best. What works for one individual with autism will not necessarily work for another. The autism spectrum is broad and affects each individual differently. Professionals who choose a career in the field of autism desire to take the journey and attempt to decipher the puzzle of autism.

References

• New England Center for Children
• National Institute of Mental Health
• Yale Child Study

Resources

• Public Autism Awareness