Choosing a college major or career path is a significant decision for anyone, but for individuals on the autism spectrum—especially those with Level One ASD like myself—it can be especially complex. While excellent quizzes, career counselors, and books can help identify fulfilling careers, I hope this blog post offers a new perspective: practical factors to consider when narrowing your choices. First, think about the typical work setting associated with a major or career. For example, do you prefer a quiet environment where you can focus, or do you enjoy environments that change frequently? Consider any sensory preferences or needs you may have—such as whether you’d rather work indoors or outdoors, or if you want to avoid extreme temperatures or certain sensory triggers. Reflecting on these environmental factors can help you determine which part of an industry might be the best fit. It’s also crucial to consider how much social interaction you’d like in your daily work, as this can greatly impact your overall comfort and satisfaction in a job.
Another important consideration is deciding how much you want your special interests or current hobbies to play into your job. There are a few nuances here. Even if you land your dream job, it’s important to remember that you won’t love every single aspect of it—there will be tasks or moments you don’t enjoy. In my experience, it’s helpful to have an element of your career or industry that genuinely engages you and motivates you to keep learning. However, I’ve also found it valuable to keep my truest hobbies outside my job, or at least adjacent but not directly within my exact field. This can help prevent burnout and maintain your passion for those interests.
Additionally, if you’ve identified an area of interest, remember that there are usually multiple ways to be involved in that field. Take education as an example—specifically early elementary, like kindergarten and first grade. While many people immediately think of classroom teaching, there are also roles in administration, school counseling, instructional coordination, library and media services, and IT support. Don’t overlook essential support personnel who help students with disabilities, such as occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, special education coordinators, and school social workers who help students navigate complex life challenges. Education also takes place in community settings like museums and nature centers, and continues beyond K-12 through corporate training and adult education.
Considering these broader possibilities can help you find a path that fits your interests and needs, even if it’s not the most obvious one.
Reflecting on my own career journey, I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to explore all options within a field before deciding. Growing up, my mother was a nurse, and a career in healthcare and medicine seemed so much more interesting to me than my father’s work in engineering. However, when I was selecting a major, I only saw the front-line clinical roles in medicine—doctors, nurses, and similar positions—as possibilities. I didn’t really understand that other roles existed, and I wish someone had helped me understand each option and explored them fully with me.
There are so many roles beyond the front lines: clinical researchers, professionals analyzing healthcare data in fields like healthcare informatics, and service providers or vendors supporting the medical industry, to name just a few. I ended up attending a wonderful university, but it didn’t offer options for those who wanted to work behind the scenes in healthcare. It wasn’t until much later that I discovered fields like healthcare informatics and healthcare management—career paths that turned out to be a much better fit for me.
When considering a problem space, industry, or area of interest, try to view it—and yourself—like a Rubik’s Cube: you may need to turn it over a few times to find the right fit. The first attempt might not be perfect, and that’s okay. For those in a mentor or advisory role, especially when supporting a young person on the spectrum, it’s wise to help them see all the possibilities in front of them, even if they seem focused on just one option. Broadening this perspective can make all the difference in finding a fulfilling career path.
To bring these thoughts together, remember that choosing a college major or career is never one-size-fits-all—especially for those of us on the spectrum. The journey can be nonlinear, and it’s perfectly normal if it takes time to find where you truly fit. What matters most is approaching the process with openness: be willing to explore unfamiliar options, ask questions, and revisit your choices as you learn more about yourself and what you need to thrive.
If you’re supporting someone with ASD Level One, encourage them to look beyond the obvious roles and consider how their strengths and interests can align with fulfilling, sustainable careers. Sometimes the best fit is something you haven’t yet imagined, and it’s okay if your path takes a few unexpected turns along the way.
Ultimately, the most empowering thing you can do—for yourself or for someone you’re guiding—is to make informed, flexible choices. Be patient with the process, and trust that with time, reflection, and the right support, you can discover a path that not only suits your abilities, but also brings satisfaction and meaning to your life.
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