What are the worst jobs for autistics?
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Career planning with autism
Finding the right job can be challenging for autistic people. Rates of employment are low overall, recorded at 28%, in the UK (Office for National Statistics, 2022). Once in work, autistics can often end up in roles below their capabilities and qualifications (Hedley et al., 2023; Zwicker et al., 2017).
It is important to understand how autism and job requirements link to each other. Finding the right job can affect happiness and career success. So it is crucial for autistics to find a role that corresponds with strengths; accommodates any specific needs, and importantly, avoids unsupportive environments.
Why is navigating the workforce so challenging?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, sensory processing and behaviour. While these differences can present challenges in certain environments, they do come with strengths, such as ability to focus, visual thinking or creative and artistic talents.
Having a satisfying career is as possible for people with autism as anyone else. But there do seem to be certain types of workplace environments and job requirements that present more of a challenge. Dealing with too much sensory information, or complicated social situations, can impact mental health or show up as physical problems, like headaches, tiredness, digestive issues, or chronic pain. Having a bad experience in the wrong type of job can have a huge impact on confidence and overall well-being.
Ten things to look out for in job descriptions
How can someone with autism avoid working in the worst job possible for them? There are many different ways to be autistic. Certain job tasks will be a challenge for some people, and no problem at all to others. It can be more helpful to think about job requirements and work environment rather than focus on specific job titles.
1. Unpredictable working hours
Jobs with changing hours, that need the flexibility to adjust to different shift patterns, can be hard for people with autism who prefer routine and order. Unpredictable hours can break these routines and lead to stress and worry.
2. Customer service
Roles that involve a lot of contact and social interaction with customers or clients will be difficult for those who struggle to understand complex social cues. They may find navigating interpersonal dynamics and managing conflict, such as handling customer complaints, especially challenging.
3. Persuasion and sales
Positions that require the use of persuasion techniques, to reach demanding sales targets, can be difficult for individuals with autism. The need to manage constant rejection can be tough for those who struggle with emotional regulation.
4. Public speaking and presentation
Public speaking and giving presentations require strong social communication skills and the confidence to engage groups of people. Some individuals may become stressed through the fear of being judged. Others will want to avoid the risk of sensory overload from lights and sounds.
5. Networking
Jobs that require building and developing networks, such as public relations or events planning, rely on nonverbal communication and interpreting social signals. Decoding behaviour, combined with lots of socialising, can be exhausting and anxiety provoking for some people with autism.
7. Non-inclusive work cultures
A supportive and welcoming work culture is even more crucial for people with autism. Working in an organisation where diversity and inclusivity are nurtured and encouraged is important to avoid feelings of loneliness, confusion, and possible unfair treatment.
8. Highly competitive settings
Handling competitive social dynamics in the workplace can be challenging. Navigating office politics, participating in team building activities and jobs that require lots of self-promotion may be unsuitable for individuals who struggle with social reciprocity or understanding social hierarchies.
9.Complex multitasking roles
Clear instructions and having specific tasks are very important for many people with autism. Jobs that require complex multitasking, that is switching between tasks quickly, can be difficult for people who prefer structured tasks and clear guidelines.
10. Fast paced environment
Jobs that require changing priorities and working to tight deadlines, such as fast food outlets or project manager, can be difficult for those people with autism who prefer to work methodically, in a more controlled and steady work environment.
Tips for finding suitable jobs
Do a realistic Self – Assessment.
- Identify strengths/skills, interests and any sensory or social challenges.
- Reflect on what you enjoy doing most and what skills are needed. E.g. if you love baking, you can follow detailed instructions and show accuracy.
- Think about the things friends ask you to help them with?
- Take skills or strength-based questionnaires for autistic jobseekers.
- Review results and identify common themes.
Seek out Job – matches.
- Look at job descriptions for the key words they use, then note the skills required for the job.
- Seek out neuroinclusive roles and careers that match with your skills and offer environments where you can flourish.
Get support
Use resources such as neurodiversity coaches and support groups. Connect with other autistic professionals and organisations that can provide guidance, training and advocacy in the job search process.
https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/employment/ibmskillsbuild
Consider accommodations
- Look for employers who advertise and prioritize diversity, inclusion and workplace adjustments for disability.
- Communicate with employers to request reasonable adjustments such as flexible schedules, or written communication preferences, to help you succeed in the workplace.
References
Bury, S. M., Hedley, D., Uljarević, M., Li, X., Stokes, M. A., & Begeer, S. (2024). Employment profiles of autistic people: An 8-year longitudinal study. Autism, 28(9), 2322-2333.
https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231225798 (Original work published 2024)
Zwicker J., Zaresani A., Emery J. H. (2017). Describing heterogeneity of unmet needs among adults with a developmental disability: An examination of the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 65, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2017.04.003
National Autistic Society Webpage ‘How can I find a job that’s right for me.” https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment/how-can-i-find-a-job-thats-right-for-me (accessed 12/08/25)
The Image Project Career Planning Toolkit https://toolkit.imageautism.com/information-and-advice/how-to-identify-your-strengths-and-skills/ (accessed 12/08/25)
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/discover-your-skills-and-careers
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