Where Can I Work With Autistic Kids Without A College Degree?
I was wondering if there are jobs that don’t require a degree to work with autistic kids and still get paid? I enjoy helping people, but I don’t want to go to school for 4 years because I’ve been in school long enough.
on August 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
First, it’s great that you want to help kids like mine! Every state has a Community Alternatives Program (CAP) for children and adults with developmental disabilities (like Autism). CAP offers an alternative to institutionalizing these people. In order for the person to remain living at their home, services like speech therapy and in-home caregivers make it possible. My son, age 12, has Autism, is low functioning, and has a caregiver work with him after school and on weekends. They work to meet goals in a written plan, which includes academic, social and self-help skills. These caregivers need only have a high school diploma, but a strong desire to do whatever it takes to help the client and their family. Many caregivers work part time when in a situation like ours, others have 40+ hours weekly with adult clients; some combine 2 clients in order to work full time. Benefits vary among provider companies. The pay ranges from $10 -15.. per hour, depending on experience.
on August 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
it’s awesome that you’re interested in this. let me start by giving you a pointer on “person first language” when working in special education, we like to make sure we put the person before the disability, so instead of “autistic kids” use “kids with autism”
you can always become a ‘paraprofessional’ in a school that has an autism program, or you could work as a para in any special ed classroom. all it requires is a fairly simple test…no college degree. good luck!
on August 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
generally, you need 2 years of college to work as an aide in a school–there are execptions though–auch as alternate route assessments..
look under social services in the employment section–there are recreation/home support programs such as run by ARC
on August 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
You could be a respite caregiver.
EDIT: Normally you would use “People First Language” (PFL) and say “Children with Autism”. But various Persons With Autism prefer to say “Autistic Person” or “Autistic Children” instead of “Person With Autism” or “Children With Autism”. There are various Autistic Persons that do NOT like “People First Language” (PFL).
on August 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
You can work in a school and become an assistant to the special education teacher some schools have autistic units – check your local school districts main website – you get summers off and lots of holiday time off too. Good luck!
on August 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
1:1 aid ,mentor,tutor,after school counselor for special needs camp
on August 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
autistic group homes, work shops, assistant is school room