Jobs That Autistic People Cannot Have Q

[cassa333]

My daughter is Autistic and when I spoke to both the Dr and the school they both said that if she is diagnosed there are some jobs she would be barred from. Such as the armed forces (and tbh unless Armageddon broke out and the world population was down to 'the last of mankind making a stand against the evil alien invaders' I am glad she couldn't).

But... my brothers son has just been diagnosed (for some reason it was a shock to my brother but not to anyone who actually knows his son!!).

Both my daughter and his son are high functioning and in the top of their pier groups academically but socially z list. In fact probably below z list but anyway.

Brother is a wiz bang satellite system programmer and is hoping because of his socialisation issues etc to get him into computers and that sort of thing and is reluctant to get his son diagnosed because he is worried that he won't be able to get a good job.

I have had a look around the internet a bit and can only find the armed forces that Barr Autistic people although there are probably other jobs that demand a lot of team work and sociability that Barr them. Brother is worried that having a diagnosis will mean he can't work for a company that 'works' for the MOD or such like.

Does anyone know of a list of jobs or organisations that won't employ Autistic people please?

Thanks

[Buenchico]

I hope that you're still checking this thread, Cassa, because this has just appeared on the BBC website, which would seem to be highly relevant here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-43584212

[Jackdaw33]

A difficult one. I have sometimes been described as anti-social, and by implication autistic, because in the sheltered housing complex where I live I refuse to join in any communal activities. The reason for that is I do not wish to spend my time surrounded by sozzled old biddies who get high as a kite on a single glass of sherry and start singing songs from WW II. When I attend my masonic lodge I am the life and soul of the party. Am I on the spectrum?

[Buenchico]

I'm on the autism spectrum, Jack, and although I hate parties, being "surrounded by sozzled old biddies who get high as a kite on a single glass of sherry and start singing songs" sounds like quite a good time to me. (I once booked a tour into the outback in Western Australia, not realising that I'd be the only person on the bus who wasn't a veteran girl guide member in their 70s or 80s, as everyone else on the tour was. We must have sung 'Waltzing Matilda' together over a hundred times that day - and I loved every minute of it!)

You're probably just related to these guys ;-)

[Jackdaw33]

Each to his own. Chico, that sounds like my idea of hell.

[Jackdaw33]

...it's not the first time I've been likened to Victor Meldrew. Far from being offended I rejoice in the appellation.

[joko]

unless its obvious i dont think you need to disclose it do you?

but its essential that you are very very realistic about their condition and how it affects them, and dont try to go for jobs that you know they'd struggle - for instance sales ... id imagine thatd be a struggle with the interpersonal side, and maybe receptionist, or call centre as they need to field calls sometimes from irate people and know how to deal with them etc ... autism varies so much itd be unrealistic to have a list of blanket rules on it

[Choccie10]

Cassa333, did you figure anything out?
Yesterday my son (8yrs) was diagnosed, however I am reluctant to allow a formal diagnosis - when they told me he couldn't join the armed forces it felt like one door was slammed shut on an open brand new life...
I didn't want to be the one that shut that door - it should be his decision when he's older.
How many other jobs won't he be able to have??
He's extremely bright, has friends in a very small cosy school admittedly and loves life.
I know that he will have access to more help later on if I agree to the diagnosis, and they just told me it was my decision, but I'm raising him to make his own own life choices, how can I do that then take one away??
He doesn't know he was even assessed - just a great pm off school playing games, he'd probably be cross as he has autistic friends and sees that they're different which is fine for them as he gets them (ish) - he just doesn't identify the same way for sure...
Btw he would break my heart if he joined the army but like I said, his life, his choice right...?
Help :(