What kind of jobs can people with autism or mental retardation do?

Answer 1

See if there is a Goodwill in your area. They train people with disabilities to be able to work.

Answer 2

it really varies quite alot----since no two people with autism or mental retardation are totally alike!

Many but not all people with autism are quite gifted in visual skills. Technological kinds of skills are very logical and predictable and are often a good direction.

It might be more challenging for someone with autism if the job requires one to think about what another persons perspective or point of view on something is-----at least if this was a big part of the job. Some people with autism can do this but generally this is harder.

Many people, yet not all , with autism have particular strengths or greater sensory abilities like in hearing or seeing or touching and this extra sensory processing skill may be helpful in some fields.

I think when you look at the kinds of jobs someone can do---there are more jobs possible if people are willing to make accomodations for some of the special needs that might arise that may not be directly related to the task the person is asked to do. For instance----someone might be a great data entry person but might need to wiggle in their chair or take frequent walks to help their body feel okay. If this extra physical activity is deemed inappropriate or disruptive or unproductive then the person is not able to be comfortable on the job. But if they could wiggle and take walks periodically and still do the data entry as to the degree the company needs----then it would be a win- win situation. Unfortunately sometimes it is not about can someone do the job-----it is more about can they do it and look or act just like most people do--------this is not always possible -and I wonder if it should really be required.

Not sure if I answered your question ---but I guess there are quite alot of jobs possible------

Answer 3

The jobs can be greatly varied. Autism is a spectrum disorder so a person's ability ca range from high to low functioning. The most common problem with the autistic workforce is the poor social interactions. Their inability to relate socially to others can negatively impact their overall job performance.

People with mental retardation can also do a wide variety of jobs. Many companies offer positions that require stocking, sorting, packaging, welcoming, custodial, etc.

Jobs for special needs employees can be virtually anywhere: grocery store, specialty stores (interest based work very well...ie video stores, sporting goods, etc.), malls, sheltered workshops, libraries, school cafeterias, restaurants, factories, news paper delievery, landscaping, etc.

If you want more information relating to a particular area you might want to contact your community's office of mental health/ and or mental retardation.

Answer 4

I don't know about autism but people with mental retardation can work. In Spain, where I'm from, people with mental retardation, go to speacial schools and later on they go to special factories where they work. They relate to each other, have friends, and get some money, not much, but enough to survive. It's great 'cause most of this people need something to do and money, specially when their parents pass away.

I don't know exactly the jobs, but it's something easy, like putting pieces together, fixing small things,... They are supervised by people trained to deal with them.

Answer 5

Actually, austistic people are very intelligent in analytical situations. They usually have a talent that stands out, like drawing, being able to do math problems without a calculator (and I mean hard alebra-type problems, not basic) among others.

The trick to working with a mentally retarded or autistic person is finding out what their talent or skill is, just like everyone else.

I'm sure you are good at a few things where others are not.

The same is for an autistic or mentally retarded person, they are like you and me.

Many jobs hire people to fill in spots like filling, data entry, or other tasks that might seem minimal but are nevertheless, important, and these are great jobs for people who cannot otherwise hold a career type job.

To help someone find out what they CAN do is to encourage their skills, like a child. Patience is key to helping pair up the right person with the right job.

Also, ask employeers, sometimes they have positions they can fill for them.

Answer 6

I like all the answers about fast food places and Goodwill. Also, check the local group homes/facilities. Here in Iowa there is a place called Handicapped Development Center that strives to help people become productive members of the community. This includes employment services and residential assistance. Check out the web site for more information.

Answer 7

I really like lolabella's answer! The process of finding the right match for the special needs adults I personally know began in school. Part of the IEP for a teenager in special ed is a plan for transition to higher eduation, independent employment, sheltered or special employment, or "pre-vocational" programs depending on the person's skills and abilities.

Individuals with more academic abilities can go to college. Most campuses have a office designed to assist students with disabilities, and may provide some support to autistic students.

The sheltered workshop is the next step for those not able to go directly to work or attend higher ed. At these facilities, works skills are taught as needed and actual paid work is done with supervision. Some stay in this workshop, able to complete simple tasks as they are paid based on their production. The goal for others is to teach workskills so that they can be prepared to handle a regular job.

Others, like my brother who is autistic and severely effected by disability, continue in a "prevocational" program at the workshop. This would include time for physical exercise, sensory integration and other therapies, socialization with others and community outings.

The key is to keep these individuals learning and experiencing life and society positively and as indepentdently as possible, while ensuring that appropriate health, safety, and special needs continue to be met.

Answer 8

What is your query? This seems like you want any one to do your homework or write your paper. There is no comparison between the 1930's and now, or the 1940's or the 1950's for that subject. But i am just talking from old advantage as I wasn't around then!! Plus your terminology is way out of date, haven't heard intellectual disabilities noted with that disgusting time period for a long time...And i work in unique ed.

Answer 9

It really depends on the severity of their disability. Some of them can work most any job that they want, while others will need to work a job that has constant supervision.

In the area that I live there is a special place that has factory work for people with special needs. Some areas for those who need more help then others.

Answer 10

These are 2 entirely different conditions.
A person with autism is not always intellectually disabled. And intellectual disabilities are often combined with other problems.
So it is impossible to give one answer to that question.
Many people with a range of different disabilities are able and very willing to work in jobs of their choice from factory work to office and administrative jobs.
Also many become famous athletes or artist or performers.

Answer 11

Many places have programs... there is a restraunt in Tucson, AZ, called Cafe 54, which employs people with special needs. There are many programs, this is just one. Contact your state Mental Health office for more info. People with special needs can do many things, they just need more direction than those of us that are not mentally challenged.

Here's an interesting article on Cafe 54: