Working with autistic children

I have been working as a No Child Left Behind tutor for over 3 years. This is a very part-time, seasonal job. I was wondering if any of indeed.com members have worked as an ABA tutor or consultant. I have a BA in Humanities, am 56 years old and want to work part-time. Is this the job the present and future, as 1 in 150 kids are being diagnosed with it on a regular basis? I know it doesn't pay much but is it a rewarding job as opposed to a draining one?

Thanks!

Hi. Im 19 and not very sure of what i want to focus on for a career. I have a autistic brother that is 13 and i was looking for advice from anyone if they would think its a good idea if i worked with autistic children or children with special needs. I am very interested in anyones advice and suggestions.

thankyou for your time
sincerley, ashley

danielle in Sacramento, California said: working with autistic children is the reward. Although some of the positions dont pay much, the job is worth it. BUT i do recommend for you to be a patiant person, because it can be frustrating at times. make sure whatevr you do, its something you love and are willing to put you heart into.

WHAT ARE SOME TECHNIQUES YOU USE WITH HELPING THEM I AM GOING ON A JOB INTERVIEW AND NEED SOME ANSWERS FOR THE INTERVIEW PLEASE HELP.

PLEASE HELP ME I HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW AND I NEED TO KNOW SOME TECNIQUES THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL IN GETTING THIS JOB. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE FIELD FOR QUITE OME TIME. I KNOW THINGS LIKE TIME OUT, SHPING BUT I NEED MORE ANSWERS.

ashley in Bridgewater, Massachusetts said: Hi. Im 19 and not very sure of what i want to focus on for a career. I have a autistic brother that is 13 and i was looking for advice from anyone if they would think its a good idea if i worked with autistic children or children with special needs. I am very interested in anyones advice and suggestions.

thankyou for your time
sincerley, ashley

Well Ashley,
I think i't would be a wonderful idea. I have been working with autistic children now for 4 months and it has been the most exciting experience of my life. Up intill the day i started working i have never been in the company of an autistic child, so at first it was a little intimidating. Now that i have learned to understand them i wish i would have been introduced to this field of work years ago.I to was undecided about my carrer but when i met all these angels with autism i knew i wanted to be around them for the rest of my life! I think you have a huge advantage because you do have a sibling with autism, i strongly encourage you to look into this field of work.
veronica, age 20

Well my position is an instructional aide. There are may different titles depending on how each program is run. We also have a position calles basic education aide; the higher positions are behavioral specialist.I hop ethus is helpful.

I am interested in learning about working with Autistic children. I've done a little research but i am unsure what i want to do for a career at this time. So if anyone would be intersed in giving me any information on the subject that would be great. When i was in the seventh grade in joined this program at the school i went to helping disabled childern and i really enjoyed it you had to pay a $1.00 to join the progeam and it was the best Dallor i've ever spent in my life.

veronica in Bakersfield, California said: Well Ashley,
I think i't would be a wonderful idea. I have been working with autistic children now for 4 months and it has been the most exciting experience of my life. Up intill the day i started working i have never been in the company of an autistic child, so at first it was a little intimidating. Now that i have learned to understand them i wish i would have been introduced to this field of work years ago.I to was undecided about my carrer but when i met all these angels with autism i knew i wanted to be around them for the rest of my life! I think you have a huge advantage because you do have a sibling with autism, i strongly encourage you to look into this field of work.
veronica, age 20

This sounds EXACTLY like what I want to do when I go to college! What is your job called? I would really like to look into it! If possible, please reply as soon as you can! Thanks!

Thanks so much,
Faith

Well this title depends on where you work. I am simply an instructional aide.

Hey Ashley, Thanks for the advice. I don't know of this will help you at all but maybe check into educational programs at colleges. I'm not every familiar with this. I live in Ohio I thinl that Ohio University in athens might have something but i'm not positive. There is alao a hospital in Athens O'Blenness anf i've been told that they have something there that helps the autistic or disabled. I hope that helps some.

Dear whom can offer some extra words of advice,

I am very good at what I do but am sooooo unsatisfied as I do not help anyone in my current job. Our whole goal is to produce the best tv commercial and try to figure out how to sell our product and get as much money as we can out of the end consumer. Very interesting, high stress, etc but COMPLETELY unfulfilling. But what I reallly realllyy want to do is work with autistic children and young adults. I had the opportunity to shadow at a masters degree program in florida with Speech Language Pathologist's this summer for a couple of hours a week. It was very interesting and touched my heart at how those students and Drs were able to help the children. But I'm not sure if SLP is the way to go for me. I want to know how I can work with them on a more 1 to 1 scenario, where I could work for myself and help as many children as I possibly could. Do I have to become a psychologist and focus on behavioralism (if that's a word)? I have been drawn to helping, first my own peers growing up and now children with learning disabilities and know this is what I am meant to do. But I can't just quite my job and afford to pay for school...I feel like I am in such a Catch 22. Keep making money and be unhappy and be stuck in a selfish industry or struggle through more schooling (I have my bachelors) and be happy and helping those who need it...but then once I am finished with schooling be happy because I'm helping others and financially stable. Please lend words of advice, although I may sound a bit complicated! Jordan- 24 yrs old and searching

jordan in Saint Petersburg, Florida said: Dear whom can offer some extra words of advice,

I am very good at what I do but am sooooo unsatisfied as I do not help anyone in my current job. Our whole goal is to produce the best tv commercial and try to figure out how to sell our product and get as much money as we can out of the end consumer. Very interesting, high stress, etc but COMPLETELY unfulfilling. But what I reallly realllyy want to do is work with autistic children and young adults. I had the opportunity to shadow at a masters degree program in florida with Speech Language Pathologist's this summer for a couple of hours a week. It was very interesting and touched my heart at how those students and Drs were able to help the children. But I'm not sure if SLP is the way to go for me. I want to know how I can work with them on a more 1 to 1 scenario, where I could work for myself and help as many children as I possibly could. Do I have to become a psychologist and focus on behavioralism (if that's a word)? I have been drawn to helping, first my own peers growing up and now children with learning disabilities and know this is what I am meant to do. But I can't just quite my job and afford to pay for school...I feel like I am in such a Catch 22. Keep making money and be unhappy and be stuck in a selfish industry or struggle through more schooling (I have my bachelors) and be happy and helping those who need it...but then once I am finished with schooling be happy because I'm helping others and financially stable. Please lend words of advice, although I may sound a bit complicated! Jordan- 24 yrs old and searching

Jordan, Hello I'm not sure as to how much help i can be to you, but i guess it's worth a try. I live in ohio and i know that there is a school in my area that is just for children with disabilities. it's called Carolton School. You might try Preschools sometimes they have Special Education classes or maybe other schools.

ashley in Bridgewater, Massachusetts said: Hi. Im 19 and not very sure of what i want to focus on for a career. I have a autistic brother that is 13 and i was looking for advice from anyone if they would think its a good idea if i worked with autistic children or children with special needs. I am very interested in anyones advice and suggestions.

thankyou for your time
sincerley, ashley

Ashley

I, too became interested in work with this population due to having two sons with Asperger's. There are so many ways you can pursue this. You can focus on Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Analysis, Special Education (teaching) and also mental health/behavioral therapy. Talk to someone in an Education program at a University or someone who has a degree (Master's) in Special Education.

Good Luck.

I am thinking about switchng my major to Psychology and I've worked with autistic children before and i LOVE them. What could I do with a Psychology degree and autistic children? Can I become a behavior therapist with that type of degree?

Ashley in Natick, Massachusetts said: Hey britney im 20 and im from boston i dont no why it says Natick lol. But i have been working with autistic children or have experience of 13 years.Well technically no but my brother is autistic and is 13 soo you get the picture but right now i work a full time job as a instructional assistant for special needs( more or less autism). I have no real experience besides my brother. I have never been to school for teaching but i am going back to get a degree. The job is very rewarding to know that you are helping someone. I have always known i have wanted to do this i just never thought i would have the opportunity to i just got lucky over the summer i joined a program as a paraprofessional it was amazing. My advice to you is try it out if you have the passion to do it and you enjoy helping others go for it. I beleieve its the best job, its fun, its rewarding, and the pay is good if you have a good position. You really have to have the patience to do it to. Soo britney shoot for the stars and if you have any questions let me know. Ashley- from boston. I have a question to anyone who knows what i can take in this field (special needs or autism) that would only recuire 2 years of college. And if anyone knows any specific colleges that have good courses for special needs. Thankx! :]

Hi Ashley,
I am also working as a para at a school system in Lynnfield. I am meeting with my supevisor to ask for a raise. The para here start at step 1 $12.70 and hour with only on vacation day. I'm trying to collect data from area districts. Do u know what other school districts are paying. We all have our bachlors and experience.

thanks
Barbara

I have a big question, im still in high school and i really need some advice. I love autistic children, in fact my little brother is. I want to either become an occupational therapist and major in autism or become a zoologist and work with exotic wild animals. I still cant decide

I have been doing ABA for almost 4 years. I have gone through one period where I almost burned out from having a very, very heavy caseload. However, I LOVE my job. It is great to see the progress of your students.

If you do want the job, you must have patience and you must be okay with dealing with PARENT DRAMA. Special education kids' parents are the worst part of the job. They expect you to FIX the autism. And you can't, but you can change an child with severe autism to a functioning member of society with years of ABA.

As for ABA as a career:

A BA in psychology, education or something similar is the typical educational requirement. However, some places do not require it.

To "Break into" the field, you can take a short internship with ANY company that works with people with disabilities. I took a 3 month paid internship with a company that provides ILS (Independent Living Skills) to adults with disabilities. Other experience that works for "breaking into" the field of ABA is experience with children in general.

An MA or MS in psychology or social work will allow you to make 40K to 65K as a supervisor at a private ABA agency. (Very few will ask for a PhD in psychology.) Supervision is very different from doing the therapy. Some would say supervisors in the ABA industry have an easier job for more money. Supervision is more of training others, offering suggestions to therapists, assessing the needs of the students and doing paperwork.

After obtaining an MA or MS or PhD in psychology, one can get BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) certified. Some companies would prefer their supervisors were BCBA's. In order to be a BCBA, you have to take about 5 classes in ABA, pass a test on the information, and do a supervised "internship" with autistic children. Most of these internships are paid for. Don't take one that is not a paid position.

I hope this helps.

And I forgot to add, many interventionists can make okay money. I make over $20 an hour. Most companies in southern CA start people at $15 an hour or so... double minimum wage.

CARD might have an office near you... they are a major company in ABA.

Hi!!! im actually finishin my B.A. in psychology and i have been workin as a translator for early intervention for 4 years. As far as early intervention goes, what can I be able to pursue after I get my B.A. in psychology ?? Service coordinator, ABA, social work

I have an Autistic sister. I want to learn more about autism and other types of disabilities. I don't know how to make this my career though. Where can I start?

I cant believe that not one of these comments have mentioned the sonrise program that the Options Institute runs. I worked with an autistic child who also has mild cerebral palsy with the most incredible results all thanks to the sonrise program, and its right on your doorstep. I had to travel thousands of miles to get there but it was well worth it and will change your approach to dealing with these amazing people. its non judgemental and i would always travel down that path before going with ABA

Heather in Denver, Colorado said: I am a sophomore in college majoring in psychology and I would love to work with autistic children. What is a job title for something like this?

This job is ABA Psychology (applied behavior analysis). You need a BA then go to school for a Masters to make more money and become certified.

Does anybody get burned out working with Autistics? No one ever talks about that.

I have grown up with a severely autistic sister my entire life and have helped both of my parents care for her.
I am searching for a career and I was wondering what kind of career's would put me in the position to deal with autistic or even deaf children. I am "fluent" in sign language as my sister with autism is also unfortunate enough to be deaf.

Hello, I'm very interested what kind of studies does one need to have before working with authistic children. How long does those studies endure?

I'll be really gratefull for getting an answer from You.

greetings
Anna

I have an older and younger brother who are both autistic, out of six of us two are autistic. Im very intrested in a career of working with autistic children as ive seen they way the both behave, Yes you see the downside but the rewards of them smiling at you are just worthwhile.

Im doing psychology at A level at the moment and im thinking of carrying it on at university but im not sure which course to follow after that :/

Any ideas?
Keri

hi
i'm just wondering if social workers
are able to worth with children who have autism?

ashley in Bridgewater, Massachusetts said: Hi. Im 19 and not very sure of what i want to focus on for a career. I have a autistic brother that is 13 and i was looking for advice from anyone if they would think its a good idea if i worked with autistic children or children with special needs. I am very interested in anyones advice and suggestions.

thankyou for your time
sincerley, ashley

hey!! i wanna work with lil kids who hav autism + ashbergers 2!!! do u know wat thats called?? cause i cant find it anywhere. and do u know wat collage has good programs in that?? i relized i wanted 2 do it a few months ago cause i help out with a teach lil kids 2 swim thing 4 my swim team, i got paired wit this lil kid who is boutm 6-7 who has ashbergers and he is so sweet!! wen his mom told i m like wow, wat? i couldnt blieve it, i now know wat i want 2 do, plus i m like 1 of the only ppl he lisens 2 wen we r ther,

Ray-Ray in Poughkeepsie, New York said: hey!! i wanna work with lil kids who hav autism + ashbergers 2!!! do u know wat thats called?? cause i cant find it anywhere. and do u know wat collage has good programs in that?? i relized i wanted 2 do it a few months ago cause i help out with a teach lil kids 2 swim thing 4 my swim team, i got paired wit this lil kid who is boutm 6-7 who has ashbergers and he is so sweet!! wen his mom told i m like wow, wat? i couldnt blieve it, i now know wat i want 2 do, plus i m like 1 of the only ppl he lisens 2 wen we r ther,

UMass Amherst has a great psychology program and you can choose to specialize in Developmental Disabilities & Human Services. All of the advisors and professors are extremely helpful and actually place you in an internship (many of which will pay for your grad school later down the line).

Hey i am a sophmore and recently had the opportunity to work with an autistic child and i fell inlove with him and since then i have worked with several other autistic children and i really feel as if i am led to work with them full time, what are some jobs that deal with autstic children specificly?

Most autistic children are integrated with children without disabilities. In an early childhood educational setting, it is common to find a handful of children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy or that are in need of occupational and physical developmental therapy. You could work at a child care center and interact with children with special needs, or become a therapist. In a public school system, most children with disabilities are integrated into "normal" classes and have supplemental "special education" classes, aids or tutors. You can take one of these rolls to work with special needs students as well. You can even be an assistant to the later positions and earn experience without much schooling. "Special Needs" requires special people, it takes a great deal of compassion and patience, but working with any child is a very rewarding career.

hey, umm i'm interested in working with children with special needs. i dont have any family with disabilities thank the Lord, but i love kids and i want to help them.im still in highschool but about to get out and have no idea where to turn next for a career? Do you know any jobs or even someplace where i can get experience in Georgia? Whats the sonrise program and where does it occur? I clearly have NO idea about this subject?? I'm a Christian myself and believe that God gave me alot of compassion for others. I want to make a difference but don't know where to start:( im kinda interested in the educational part of it or the therapy if that helps?

Your comments are greatly appreciated:) to all you workers out there helping others remember II Thessalonians 3:13. Keep up the good work, you won't lose your reward;)

Heather in Denver, Colorado said: I am a sophomore in college majoring in psychology and I would love to work with autistic children. What is a job title for something like this?

Heather, you can become a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) or a special education teacher. There are other options too. I am working on a Masters Degree now, its a very interesting topic.

jharrin126 in providence, Rhode Island said: hi
i'm just wondering if social workers
are able to worth with children who have autism?

Yes ofcourse.

Hi I just received my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and I have also recently just started a new job as Group Aid working with Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities. I have never had professional experience with children or Autism before this. I am intimidated as I feel completely out of my comfort zone. I am dedicated to my field and am looking to gain some great experience however, I am looking for some words of encouragement.

Michele in Springfield, Massachusetts said: Yes ofcourse.

yes, a degree in social work is very versatile as you can apply to any social service aspect... experience is also key..!

Hello I have been Interested in Working with Kids who have Autism, But I do not want to go to school & have to do Years of Schooling. Does anyone know what Specific Classes I should Take that would look good on a Resume. I would like to be able to go into the Schools & Work with the Kids or Go into the Homes & work with thtem, I would also like to know how much Teacher Aides make?? If anyone could Help me Thank You :)

ashley in Bridgewater, Massachusetts said: Hi. Im 19 and not very sure of what i want to focus on for a career. I have a autistic brother that is 13 and i was looking for advice from anyone if they would think its a good idea if i worked with autistic children or children with special needs. I am very interested in anyones advice and suggestions.

thankyou for your time
sincerley, ashley

hi my name is angie you should check the web page autismtreatmentcenter.org.. take your time and look at it!!wish you the best of. god bless u!

veronica in Bakersfield, California said: Well Ashley,
I think i't would be a wonderful idea. I have been working with autistic children now for 4 months and it has been the most exciting experience of my life. Up intill the day i started working i have never been in the company of an autistic child, so at first it was a little intimidating. Now that i have learned to understand them i wish i would have been introduced to this field of work years ago.I to was undecided about my carrer but when i met all these angels with autism i knew i wanted to be around them for the rest of my life! I think you have a huge advantage because you do have a sibling with autism, i strongly encourage you to look into this field of work.
veronica, age 20

Where do you work at?

ashley in Bridgewater, Massachusetts said: Hi. Im 19 and not very sure of what i want to focus on for a career. I have a autistic brother that is 13 and i was looking for advice from anyone if they would think its a good idea if i worked with autistic children or children with special needs. I am very interested in anyones advice and suggestions.

thankyou for your time
sincerley, ashley

Hi Ashley,
The skills you have to work in this feild are very valuable.
I worked as a para-professional for a family in their house, the school system, and the community for ten years.
As the individual got older it was more age appropriate for his brother to provide services, I am happy to report that he is currently doing so and it is working out well for the family, the brother, the individual with ASD and the organization paying the brother.I think it is a great idea.To make any significant money, you will want to focus on the Cognitive Sciences and certification at the Masters level in Applied Behavior Analysis, but as you work on your education you can work as a par-professional in a school system who may provide educational assitance. good luck!
Kelly

Hello, I am 20 years old and looking to work with children with autism. I have three siblings with autism, and two more with asperger's. My current job is providing childcare to those with development disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, bipolar disorder, etc. I went to a community college for two years and received three Associate's degrees in Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts. Now I'm about to transfer to a four-year university next fall and am not sure what major is preferrable: a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, Child Development, or Social Work. I'd prefer doing one-on-one therapy with children, but also (due to financial reasons) most likely won't be going for a Master's Degree or becoming certified for ABA therapy.

Which degree would be best, and are there still relatively well-paying jobs I can get with only a Bachelor's Degree?

Thank you in advance!
Stephanie

Heather in Denver, Colorado said: I am a sophomore in college majoring in psychology and I would love to work with autistic children. What is a job title for something like this?

Behavioral Analyst. It's in the psychology field and only requires a specific 9 units in behavioral analysis to get the certification last time I checked.

Hi im megan and a senior in highschool, ive always wanted to work with autistic or just disabled kids in general. I dont exactly know what id have to go to college for what you would even call a job like this? Can someone please lead me in the right direction.

thank you,
Megan.

868

Look into special eduaction or social work. Its a very good idea to get your Masters to do what you really want... especially with social work

I am looking into graduate schools right now and am interesting in working with children with autism. I know that ABA is a leading treatment used with autistic children. Therefore I am not sure if it would be better to get my masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis or Special Education. I would rather work in some sort of treatment facility rather than a school setting. I am just really lost when it comes to looking into graduate schools and I would appreciate any help. Thank you

Hello, my name is Alexandra and I am interested in working with children with special needs. As I noticed, you all seem to be from USA.. I am now living in Norway, so maybe this is not the best place I could ask for a piece of advise, but i would really like to know if any of you have a site where I can find useful information about working with children as a volunteer with no previous training in this particular area, but with great willing and power to quickly learn what is needed :).
I realize I may sound odd, but I decided that this is what I would like to do and I have no idea how I could start. I am willing to even move to another country, so if any of you know an organisation that recruits people, I would be very grateful. For starters, I think I could also volunteer, or accept a job that will pay enough to live.. I don't want a good payed job.

So thanks a lot for any advise.
Alexandra

Sara in Canton, Ohio said: I am a student at a university majoring in social work. I am on my way to get a bachelor degree and want to know what I can do to work with autistic children. Can I do that with just this degree? Is it possible to get a master's in Special Ed. afterward? Does anyone have any answers?

hey sara im actually wondering the same exact thing. did you ever get any advice?

There are a lot of job openings for public and private schools for teachers who specifically work with Autistic children, but I will say it is definitely not for everyone.

I have a 22 year old brother with severe Autism and he was a handful for mostly every teacher he had. There was one school he attended that catered to Autistic children, which was a rarity in the early to mid 90's because the amount of children with Autism were much, much less than they are now. I'm two years younger, but sometimes my Mom would take me into his school and I'd see what it was like.

Some folks do not have the stamina and the mental capacity to work with these kids. Even I considered doing it because of my brother and knowing what the little quirks and habits of Autistic children but I am very sensitive, so it wouldn't be fair to them.

This isn't meant to discourage you at all. :-) I just thought I'd toss in my two cents and let you know. If it's something you end up liking, that's great! We need more caring, compassionate people to teach Autistic children.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

Stephanie in Hayward, California said: Hello, I am 20 years old and looking to work with children with autism. I have three siblings with autism, and two more with asperger's. My current job is providing childcare to those with development disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, bipolar disorder, etc. I went to a community college for two years and received three Associate's degrees in Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts. Now I'm about to transfer to a four-year university next fall and am not sure what major is preferrable: a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, Child Development, or Social Work. I'd prefer doing one-on-one therapy with children, but also (due to financial reasons) most likely won't be going for a Master's Degree or becoming certified for ABA therapy.

Which degree would be best, and are there still relatively well-paying jobs I can get with only a Bachelor's Degree?

Thank you in advance!
Stephanie

Im in college right not i was aiming for a child development major in order to work with children but after talking to many councelors and proffesional in that area, a degree in psychology was always recommended. since then i have changed my major n im in the process of receiving my AA in psychology and transferring to get my B.S. HOPE THAT HELPED