Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person interacts with the world around them. It affects brain function and can impact social communication, repetitive behaviours, sensory processing, and emotional regulation .
People with autism experience a wide range of symptoms and strengths. Some people with autism may be nonverbal, while others may be highly articulate. Some may struggle with social interaction, while others may excel in certain social settings. There is no single definition of autism, but it is generally characterized by the following core symptoms:
- Difficulties with social communication and interaction: This may include challenges with nonverbal communication, such as making eye contact or using facial expressions, as well as difficulties with understanding and responding to social cues.
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities: This may include repetitive movements, routines, or rituals, as well as a strong focus on specific interests.
- Sensory sensitivities or differences: People with autism may be oversensitive or undersensitive to certain sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or textures.
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but there is no cure. However, there are a number of therapies and interventions that can help people with autism manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Early intervention is especially important, as it can help children with autism develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life.
There are many career options that provide assistance to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Candidates who want to provide services, like assessment and goal setting, for clients and their families can pursue a career in the field of autism. Exploring various job roles that help people with autism and learning about their primary responsibilities can help you decide the right position for you. In this article, we list different autism field careers and discuss their day-to-day responsibilities along with their national average salaries.
Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location.
Mental Health Technician
National average salary:₹39,785 per month
Primary duties: Mental health technicians are health care professionals who work with mentally ill patients. They may work with psychiatrists and physicians and assist them during treatment sessions. Mental health technicians are responsible for maintaining a calm setting for treatment, administering prescribed medications and leading recreational activities. They often oversee the admission of patients to health care facilities.Their day-to-day job may also involve checking the behaviour patterns of patients and organising therapy sessions. Mental health technicians can work in residential mental health centres and psychiatric hospitals. They may also assist patients with personal tasks like bathing, dressing or feeding. Mental health technicians often collect urine or stool samples of patients when necessary.
Disability Support Worker
National average salary: ₹41,074 per month
Primary duties: Disability support workers help patients with health conditions. They use their excellent interpersonal skills to provide emotional support to patients. Disability support workers help and encourage individuals with disorders like autism to improve their life. They are responsible for providing household, personal care and emotional support to their clients. Disability support workers often help disabled individuals apply for suitable jobs and grants. They may also instruct family members on providing basic support to patients.
Behavioural Specialist
National average salary:₹45,898 per month
Primary duties: A behavioural specialist is a medical professional who helps patients with developmental and behavioural challenges. The day-to-day job of a behavioural specialist involves talking with patients, listening to their challenges and utilising their expertise to create a treatment plan for them. They may work in schools, health care centres and private clinics. Behavioural specialists provide guidance and evaluate the behaviour of their patients. They also maintain patient records, create progress reports and collaborate with other mental health professionals. Behavioural specialists often help patients with ASD and help them develop social skills.
Speech And Language Pathologist
National average salary: ₹25,537 per month
Primary duties: Speech and language pathologists are health care professionals who help patients with communication challenges or problems in speaking or swallowing. Their daily job involves evaluating the language disorders of patients and developing a treatment plan for them. Speech and language pathologists often work with patients who have speaking challenges due to autism, Parkinson’s disorder, hearing loss or brain trauma. They are responsible for teaching muscle-building exercises to patients and advising them on how to speak words correctly. Speech and language pathologists may also collaborate with other health care professionals like doctors and therapists to diagnose patients effectively.
Occupational Therapist
National average salary: ₹21,212 per month
Primary duties: An occupational therapist is responsible for helping patients with disabilities develop skills that are essential for living and working independently. They often engage with patients to understand their challenges and concerns and assist them with everyday activities. Occupational therapists also design treatment plans and exercises for patients. They collaborate with parents and caregivers of patients and share progress reports with them. Occupational therapists are certified professionals who may work in clinical settings.
Disability Specialist
National average salary:₹40,428 per month
Primary duties: Disability specialists are professionals who work with the disabled including individuals with ASD. They assist their patients and help them improve their skills to manage a wide range of challenges. Some disability specialists deal with autistic patients and help them overcome social anxiety. Disability specialists find the concerns of patients and create a treatment plan for them. They help patients overcome their short or long-term disabilities.
ABA Therapist
National average salary: ₹33,642 per month
Primary duty: An applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapist is a mental health care professional responsible for helping people with disabilities like autism. They help patients develop abilities to work independently. ABA therapists often meet with family members of patients and assess their symptoms. ABA therapists also find skills that patients may require to develop. They may also prepare treatment plans for patients and analyse their progress.ABA therapists conduct sessions that may vary in length depending on the condition of patients. During therapy, ABA therapists may use discrete trial training (DTT) to focus more on direct behaviour modification. They also understand the negative behaviours of patients and plan activities to correct them.
Rehabilitation Specialist
National average salary:₹23,818 per month
Primary duties: A rehabilitation specialist helps patients with disabilities improve their skills and capacity to perform everyday tasks. They communicate with patients and find the challenges. Rehabilitation specialists also use their observations to create a developmental goal, develop a treatment plan and utilise various behavioural strategies to assist patients with disabilities like autism. They also help patients develop behavioural and physical skills through exercise. Rehabilitation specialists may collaborate with other professionals like social workers and mental health care experts. They ensure their patients are getting enough resources for their development.
Special Education Teacher
National average salary:₹18,338 per month
Primary duties: A special education teacher is responsible for teaching students with disabilities. They often oversee classroom exercises, assist students with their work, prepare plans for the development of individual students and also conduct outside the classroom. Special education teachers may also analyse and prepare reports on the progress of students. They help students socialise and encourage them to participate in group exercises. Special education teachers often interact with parents and discuss the progress of their children.
Nanny
National average salary: ₹16,318 per month
Primary duties: A nanny or babysitter is a child care professional who takes care of children. They are responsible for preparing and serving meals for children and helping them with their schoolwork. They may also perform various household tasks such as organising dishes, laundry and cleaning living spaces. Some parents hire a nanny to take care of children with ASD. A nanny is also responsible for preparing special meals and planning skill-building exercises for autistic children.
Are you interested in a rewarding career with the social sector – sustainability – climate action ? Register for a Career Mapping Session. Here are some ways Catalyst can help you:
- Entrance Exam Preparation: Catalyst provides specialised coaching and guidance for various entrance exams related to social sciences, public policy, and development studies. This includes exams for admissions into top institutions like TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), IIT, IIPH (Indian Institutes of Public Health), Azim Premji University, and others. Comprehensive study materials, mock exams, and expert guidance are provided to ensure students are well-prepared.
- Career Mapping: Catalyst offers career mapping services to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and career goals within the social sector. This includes helping students understand the various career paths available, such as social work, public health, development studies, and more.
- Skill Development: The social sector demands a unique skill set. Catalyst conducts skill development programs that focus on essential skills like research, data analysis, project management, and communication. These skills are vital for success in roles related to policy analysis, program management, and advocacy.
- Internship and Project Support: Catalyst assists students in finding relevant internships and projects within the social sector. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building practical skills and understanding real-world challenges in areas like healthcare, education, and community development.
- Interview Preparation: For students aiming to secure admissions to prestigious institutions or land jobs in the social sector, Catalyst conducts interview preparation sessions. This includes mock interviews, feedback, and guidance on how to present their skills and experiences effectively.
- Networking Opportunities: Catalyst organises events, workshops, and seminars that provide networking opportunities with professionals and organisations in the social sector. Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth and finding job opportunities.
- Mentorship: Experienced mentors from Catalyst provide one-on-one guidance and support to students and professionals. They offer insights into the industry, share their experiences, and help mentees navigate their career paths.
- Customised Training: Catalyst understands that individuals come from diverse backgrounds and have different career aspirations. They offer customised training programs tailored to the unique needs and goals of each student or professional.
- Continuous Learning: The social sector is dynamic, and professionals need to stay updated with the latest developments. Catalyst offers continuous learning opportunities through webinars, workshops, and access to relevant publications and resources.
- Placement Support: Catalyst provides assistance in job placements and fellowships within the social sector. They connect students and professionals with organisations that align with their career goals.
About Catalyst: Since 2011, students and working professionals have been able to successfully craft a career with Bachelors and Masters programmes offered by TISS, Azim Premji University, TERI, XIM, IIT, Nirmala Niketan, NLSIU, Sciences Po, London School of Economics and Political Science, Symbiosis, IIMC, ACJ, XIC, JNU, Ambedkar University et al with capacity building training for development sector at Catalyst.
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