Employment Tips and Careers for Neurodivergent Adults
Finding a career that is both stable and fulfilling is a goal for virtually all adults. Finding careers for neurodivergent adults that meet those needs while offering the necessary accommodations and support can take some research and consideration, but the search is well worth the effort.
Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace
While some employers are still struggling to understand what it means to be neurodiverse and to support neurodiversity in the workplace, others recognize that employees who identify as neurodiverse can add valuable perspective to their teams.
What Is Neurodiversity?
According to Harvard Health, “Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving.” Research suggests that between 15% and 20% of the population is neurodiverse, which accounts for a significant part of the workforce.
Why Embracing Neurodiversity Benefits Employers
Neurodiversity can present in many different ways, both with and without official diagnoses. People with learning differences such as dyslexia, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and people on the autism spectrum are all considered neurodiverse. As with any other employee, neurodiverse people are individuals who, depending on their skillsets and strengths, may be well suited to a number of different roles, not only those that have been designated as neurodivergent jobs.
Increasing diversity in terms of gender, race, and culture in the workplace has been shown to benefit a company’s profitability and bottom line, so there is no reason to think increased inclusion of neurodiverse individuals would not do the same. Neurodiverse adults tend to have strengths such as out-of-the-box thinking, strong routines, and the ability to hyperfocus.
Best Careers for Neurodivergent Adults
Determining the best careers for neurodivergent adults is not as simple as making a list. Just like neurotypical people, neurodiverse people each have their own strengths, interests, and passions, which may or may not relate to their neurodiverse traits. When searching for careers, neurodiverse people should not limit themselves to only the stereotypical jobs that are often recommended, such as technology and finance, and instead should look for positions that interest them and play to their strengths.
What to Consider When Looking for a Job
Looking for a job as a neurodiverse person is not hugely different than looking for a job as a neurotypical person. Job hunts involve a good deal of trial and error and some rejection. When looking for a job, neurodiverse people should first consider their own preferences, not just in terms of the specific job they want but in terms of the work environment that is best suited to them.
Some people may be energized and excited by the idea of working outside, in which case a desk job would not be the best choice. Others may like to work as part of a small team or even to be self-employed. Indeed, there is some indication that neurodiverse people often succeed as entrepreneurs.
Best Jobs for Autistic Adults
One recent study indicated that 59% of autistic adults were of average or above-average intelligence and yet up to 85% of autistic adults in the U.S. are unemployed. While there are certainly improvements to be made in hiring and support of workplaces, autistic adults can also work to find jobs where their differences can be assets, whether they struggle with identifying social cues, communication, or hyperfocus. Some of the most supportive jobs for people with autism may include the following:
- Tech positions such as web development and graphic design
- Industrial trades such as mechanics, carpentry, and welding
- Administrative jobs such as data entry
- Financial jobs such as accounting
- Research positions such as lab technician
The bottom line is every person is different. Whatever passion an autistic adult may choose to follow, there are various roles that could be a great fit.
Best Jobs for People with ADHD
ADHD can make some jobs challenging, as adults with ADHD may find themselves vacillating wildly between hyperfocus and distraction. However, adults with ADHD can also be highly creative and dedicated problem solvers. Some of the best jobs for people with ADHD may include:
- Teaching or working with children
- Fast-paced newsroom work as a journalist or copyeditor
- Hairstylist or aesthetician
- Entrepreneur or small business owner
Remote Jobs for Neurodivergent Adults
Working remotely may be a great choice for some neurodivergent people because it removes some social aspects of office work and allows for flexibility and self-direction. Some remote jobs for autistic adults where neurodivergent people of all types may thrive include script-based customer service, computer programming, and IT support.
The Benefits of Considering Companies with Neurodiversity Hiring Programs
Companies with neurodiversity programs are a great place for neurodivergent adults to start their job searches. An organization that recognizes the value of hiring and supporting neurodiverse employees should already have accommodations in place to help new employees succeed.
Employment Tips for Neurodivergent Job Seekers
Finding a job can be a challenge for anyone. For neurodivergent adults who may have not had a job before or who may have a spotty employment record, it can feel like an insurmountable task. However, certain tips can help neurodivergent people find the best careers for autistic adults or those with other learning differences.
How to Find a New Job as a Neurodivergent Adult
Beyond using Google searches or online job sites, some more specific tips may help neurodivergent adults find employment. If they have never held a job before, neurodivergent adults can benefit from building their resumes through volunteer work. Cities or schools often have social services programs that connect job seekers to volunteer opportunities. Networking is also extremely valuable in any job search. Job seekers should make connections with people in careers that interest them, with teachers in subjects where they excel, and with other job seekers.
Things to Look for in a Job
For neurodivergent adults who have not worked full-time before, it can be beneficial to find a limited, part-time job before diving headfirst into full-time work. Work can be particularly stressful and lead to burnout, so having a firm self-care plan is critical.
Neurodiverse adults should look for jobs with companies that have experience working with and supporting a diverse workforce, even if they do not have experience with their specific challenges. Applicants should be sure to learn who their supervisor would be, how expectations will be communicated, and how they can ask for accommodation and support when they are hired.
Job Search Tips for Neurodivergent Adults
Most jobs are posted online and require an online application or a digital resume to apply, so navigating employment tips should include how to complete that process. Neurodivergent adults can make a list of companies or job titles that interest them and use those as search terms on sites like Indeed.com or LinkedIn. Parents, teachers, and job search agencies may be able to help job seekers create and refine their resumes to help them get interviews and ultimately land their dream jobs.
Workplace Accommodations and Self-Advocacy
While getting a job in the first place can feel like an uphill battle, unfortunately, the work is not over once the job starts. Neurodivergent adults must be able to ask for accommodations and advocate for themselves once they are actively employed.
Understanding Your Rights in the Workplace
Neurodiverse individuals have the right to have accommodations in the workplace, as covered in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some common accommodations that may be necessary include flexible hours, more breaks, and changes to the physical work environment, such as soundproofing walls, moving desks, or utilizing noise-cancelling headphones.
How to Request Workplace Accommodations
The process of requesting workplace accommodation will depend on the workplace, but generally this should be done in writing either to the employee’s direct supervisor or to the human resources department. Notably, it is not necessary to disclose any diagnosis or neurodivergence in this request. There are template letters available online to help employees draft their accommodation requests.
Building a Sustainable Career Path
Most young adults of all backgrounds would love a guarantee that their career paths are sustainable for the long-term, but there are no such guarantees. The best course of action for building a sustainable career is building skills that are transferrable to different industries, advocating for oneself, and developing a strong network both within and outside of one’s chosen industry.
Long-Term Career Growth for Neurodivergent Adults
Choosing a path for neurodivergent adulthood is not always simple. It can take many tries to find a job or career that works for you in the long term. One of the best ways to support career growth for neurodivergent adults is to identify their strengths and seek out positions that allow them to leverage those strengths while accommodating the areas where they are not as strong. The sooner they can gain and nurture that self-awareness, the better they will be able to direct their career toward an upward trajectory.
Balancing Job Satisfaction and Mental Well-Being
Balancing job satisfaction and mental well-being for neurodivergent adults can be a challenge because many people with learning differences, ADHD, or autism are at risk for burnout. Neurodivergent adults should have strong self-care routines, a reliable support system, and the opportunity to get plenty of rest to maintain balance.
Some neurodivergent adults may only be able to maintain a part-time schedule without burning out, while others may need significant support from therapists, partners, or parents to be able to achieve their career goals. Neurodivergent adults should also not be afraid to take vacation days or sick days when needed to recharge.
Transitions Empowers Neurodivergent Adults in the Workplace
Transitions works with neurodivergent adults who have ADHD, learning differences, and autism. Along with peer support, our team of experts can help young adults make the transition from high school or college to the workforce and offer support for those who are already employed. Families who may benefit from our services should contact our team at Transitions for more information. Different transitioning programs are available for young adults who will graduate from high school soon, those who are thinking of enrolling in college, and those who are ready to join the workforce right away.
