Research reveals that 1 in 54 children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, socialize, and behave in a typical manner. As awareness of autism grows, so does the demand for professionals who can work with individuals with autism. There are many career options available in the field of autism, with varying responsibilities and salaries. Stay tuned to find the best opportunity for yourself.

Careers In The Autism Field For Aspirants

Take a look at all the possible careers if you possess an interest to work with people with autism:

1. Special Education Teacher

A special education teacher is a professional who works with students who have disabilities, including those with autism. Their primary duties include creating lesson plans, providing instruction, tracking progress, and working with parents and other professionals to create a comprehensive educational plan.

Special education teachers may work in public or private schools. The salary range for a special education teacher is typically between $40,000 and $70,000 per year.

2. Autism Specialist/Consultant

An autism specialist/consultant is a professional who specializes in working with individuals with autism. Their primary duties include conducting assessments, creating treatment plans, and providing ongoing support to individuals with autism and their families.

Autism specialists/consultants may also work with schools and other organizations to provide training and support. The salary range for an autism specialist/consultant is typically between $40,000 and $80,000 per year.

3. Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) Therapist

An ABA therapist is a professional who uses principles of behavior analysis to create behavior plans for individuals with autism. Their primary duties include assessing behavior, creating behavior plans, implementing behavior plans, and tracking progress.

ABA therapists may work with individuals with autism in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and homes. The salary range for an ABA therapist is typically between $40,000 and $70,000 per year.

4. Speech-Language Pathologist

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a professional who works with individuals who have communication disorders, including those with autism. Their primary duties include assessing communication abilities, creating treatment plans, providing therapy, and tracking progress.

They are responsible for teaching building exercises to the patients and advising them to speak words correctly. SLPs may work in schools, clinics, hospitals, or private practices. Additionally, they might collaborate with other healthcare professionals to help diagnose patients effectively.  The salary range for an SLP is typically between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.


5. Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist (OT) is a professional who works with individuals who have physical or cognitive challenges that affect their ability to perform daily activities. OTs may work with individuals with autism to help them develop skills for daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.

OTs may work in schools, clinics, hospitals, or private practices. They also collaborate with the caregivers and the parents and share the progress reports with them. The salary range for an OT is typically between $60,000 and $100,000 per year.

6. Developmental Psychologist

A developmental psychologist is a professional who studies the development of individuals over their lifespans. Developmental psychologists who specialize in autism may research the causes of autism, the effectiveness of different interventions, and the long-term outcomes for individuals with autism.

Developmental psychologists may work in universities, research institutes, or government agencies. The salary range for a developmental psychologist is typically between $60,000 and $120,000 per year.

7. Pediatrician

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians may work with individuals with autism to provide medical care, monitor developmental progress, and refer families to other professionals as needed.

Pediatricians may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. The salary range for a pediatrician is typically between $150,000 and $250,000 per year.

8. Social Worker

A social worker is a professional who provides support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. Social workers who specialize in autism may work with families to provide emotional support, and help individuals facing poverty, long-term illness, and AD.

They communicate with them to assess their concerns and create a plan to assist them best. Social workers also collaborate with public and professional organizations to ensure the comfort of the patients. They are also meant to adhere to the policies of government regulations and organizations. The average salary range for a social worker is around $37,000-$89,000.

Select Wisely And Make A Difference

Careers in Autism might require extra certification or online Special Education courses credentials to be fully prepared and just for the role. Work with students or adults and visualize positive changes brought into their lives through interactions and discussions while sharing success stories with families, friends, and fellow professionals.


Written By : Sanjana