Change of Career - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Gigi0905 · 06-14-2002, 12:08 AM

I am interested in working with the autistic community. My only experience was in high school during an adaptive aquatics program. It was one of the most personally rewarding experiences of my life. My background is in Accounting and Financial & Operational Consulting. I have enjoyed many successes in this career, but none that have touched my heart. I have recently redefined what ‘success’ means to me. I realize that my personal self-fulfillment comes from helping others. I believe that giving and receiving messages enhances our time spent here in this world. The people of the autistic community are challenged in this area. Therefore, I would like to help them in this endeavor.

Some may consider my ‘change of career’ quite drastic, but for me it is heart-felt. I realize that I may have to take a step back in order to move ahead with my dream. I would appreciate any assistance you would be able to provide me in finding answers to the following questions:

What are the various career options in this community? (I am open to suggestions from fundraising to education and anything in-between.)

How does one enter into this community as a career (without a background in a related field such as psychology or teaching)?

Is there a strong autistic community presence in a specific geographic location?

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.

[This message has been edited by Gigi0905 (edited 06-14-2002).]

Cindy_Holden · 06-25-2002, 01:39 AM

hey out there... [url="http://www.****.org/jobopenings.html"]www.****.org/jobopenings.html[/url] this sught may help,,they say **** itself is not hiring, but they are hooked up to 1200 differant places who may be hiring they also tell about volenteering in your area.. a foot in the door perhaps goodluck cindy

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-25-2002).]

Cindy_Holden · 06-25-2002, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gigi0905:
I am interested in working with the autistic community. My only experience was in high school during an adaptive aquatics program. It was one of the most personally rewarding experiences of my life. My background is in Accounting and Financial & Operational Consulting. I have enjoyed many successes in this career, but none that have touched my heart. I have recently redefined what ‘success’ means to me. I realize that my personal self-fulfillment comes from helping others. I believe that giving and receiving messages enhances our time spent here in this world. The people of the autistic community are challenged in this area. Therefore, I would like to help them in this endeavor.

Some may consider my ‘change of career’ quite drastic, but for me it is heart-felt. I realize that I may have to take a step back in order to move ahead with my dream. I would appreciate any assistance you would be able to provide me in finding answers to the following questions:

What are the various career options in this community? (I am open to suggestions from fundraising to education and anything in-between.)

How does one enter into this community as a career (without a background in a related field such as psychology or teaching)?

Is there a strong autistic community presence in a specific geographic location?

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.

[This message has been edited by Gigi0905 (edited 06-14-2002).]

hey, afterthought..Easter Seals , I belive, helps with autisim families..Me. I went to college 5 years {animal medicine} to take care of the do;phins who play with autistic kids..My travels will one day take me back to Florida no doubt.. now I have a 4 year old just diagnased high functioning autistic..be careful what you wish for!!!ha. well goodluck your heart is a rare one. cindy think if you could "wake up" JUST ONE of these truly silent kids...that was always my thought...