Finding meaningful employment can be challenging for autistic adults, but the rise of remote work has opened many opportunities that carters for diverse skills and preferences. Remote jobs for autistic adults in particular, offer numerous benefits, including flexible schedules, reduced sensory overload, and the ability to work in a familiar, comfortable environment.

In this guide, I explore ten remote job options that are particularly well-suited for autistic individuals. I provide detailed descriptions to help you find a role that aligns with your strengths and interests.

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing involves creating written content for various clients, including articles, blog posts, marketing copy, and technical documentation. Autistic adults with strong writing skills and a passion for particular subjects can thrive in this role, as it allows for flexible schedules and the comfort of working from home.

The solitary nature of writing tasks can be particularly appealing to those who prefer minimal social interaction.

2. Data Entry

Data entry roles require accurate data input into computer systems or databases. This job is ideal for individuals who excel at detail-oriented and repetitive tasks. Autistic adults who are meticulous and methodical can perform well in data entry, as it demands a high concentration level and accuracy.

Most data entry positions offer the flexibility to work from home and set one’s own pace.

3. Graphic Design

Graphic designers create visual content for websites, advertisements, and various media. If you are an autistic adult with strong visual sense and creative skills, this job is for you! The job often involves working independently on projects, which you can do remotely.

But you need more! Graphic design software proficiency is essential, and designers can specialize in areas like web design, branding, or illustration.

Related: 5 Best Places to Find Entry Level Graphic Design Jobs

4. Software Development

Perhaps, there is nothing as lucrative as developing software for autistic adults. Just think about it. You lock yourself somewhere for weeks, even months, but in the end, you develop something that the world will use. Amazing! Isn’t it? That is how it feels to develop software as an autistic adult.

Software developers write and maintain code for applications, websites, and systems. This role suits autistic adults who enjoy problem-solving and have strong logical thinking skills.

However, software development often requires long periods of focused work, benefiting those who prefer structured, solitary environments. On the flip side, the flexibility of remote work allows developers to manage their own schedules and work in a comfortable setting.

5. Virtual Assistant

In today’s digital world, we are often caught up unawares. For instance, you want to update certain information in the middle of the night or during weekends, which are traditionally resting days for full-time workers.

Then you learn that you lost some important information that you can only get from the company. What do you do? That is where virtual assistants come in handy. They can help you reset your password and add or update information within seconds from the comfort of your couch.

But what exactly does virtual assistance involve? Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. Tasks can include managing emails, scheduling appointments, and conducting research.

If you are an autistic adult with strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask efficiently, you got this job! Virtual assistants can work remotely, creating a controlled, structured work environment that minimizes sensory overload.

6. Transcription

Are you good at listening, encoding conversations, and passing information to others? There could be a job waiting for you. As a transcriber, you listen to audio recordings and convert them into written documents.

Do not be misled! This job requires excellent listening skills and fast, accurate typing. The beauty is that autistic adults who prefer working independently and have a good ear for detail can excel in transcription.

Besides, the flexibility to set one’s hours and work from a quiet, controlled environment makes this job particularly suitable for autistic adults.

Read more: 5 Steps to Become a Transcriptionist with No Experience

7. Online Tutoring

Did you know you can be a lecturer from the comfort of your home? Many people have. Online tutors provide educational assistance to students via virtual platforms. Online tutoring is ideal for autistic adults with expertise in specific subjects and strong communication skills.

Tutors can work from home, creating a comfortable teaching environment tailored to their needs. Online tutoring also allows for flexible scheduling, making managing energy levels easier and avoiding sensory overload.

8. Customer Service Representative

One of the entry level jobs for autistic adults that is usually overlooked is customer service representative. Customer service representatives assist customers with inquiries, complaints, and support requests like virtual assistants.

This role requires strong communication skills and patience. The latter is important because some clients can be bitter because of their lack of information, misinformation, or simply because they have lost some important detail.

Out of rage, the clients may rant, thus the need for adult autistic virtual assistants to remain calm while assisting the client patiently.

Due to the increasing number of customers, service delivery has become one of the most important aspects of many companies. As such, these companies are constantly looking for competent skills, including patience, to serve their increasing number of clients.

That is why remote jobs for autistic adults are in demand. If you are known to love structured interactions and provide clear guidelines, then you are best suited for the job.

9. Social Media Manager

Have you ever thought how life would be without social media? Or worse still, how would your life be without social media? I’m sure you’d argue that life would still move on without social media, and I agree. But what kind of life in this 21^st century will you live without access to information, which quite literally spreads fast through social media?

Due to its importance, companies have seen the need to employ social media managers to create and manage content for social media platforms.

Apart from creating content on social media platforms, social media managers engage with followers and grow a brand’s online presence. But who is this job for?

This job is suited for autistic adults who are creative and understand social media dynamics. The role allows for independent work, creativity, and the flexibility to manage one’s schedule, making it an appealing option for those who prefer minimal social interaction.

10. Translation Services

You’d agree with me that it’d be difficult to communicate with someone who speaks a different language. That is how hard communication would be if we didn’t have translators – people who can speak more than one language.

Translation is, therefore, one of the best remote jobs for autistic adults. But what exactly do translators do, and what are the requirements? Translators convert written content from one language to another.

This job requires proficiency in multiple languages and a keen eye for detail. Autistic adults who enjoy language and cultural nuances can find this work rewarding. Translation services can be performed remotely, offering the flexibility to work from a quiet, controlled environment and manage one’s schedule.

Websites That Offer Remote Jobs for Autistic Adults

Now that you know the different remote jobs for autistic adults, it is fitting to learn where you can find those jobs. This section investigates the various websites that offer remote jobs for autistic adults and how to sign up for each platform.

Upwork

Upwork, formerly Elance, then oDesk, was launched slightly over a decade ago, in December 2013. This is a popular freelance marketplace where professionals can find remote jobs in various fields, including writing, graphic design, software development, and virtual assistance. It allows freelancers to bid on projects and connect with clients globally.

Sign up: Upwork

FlexJobs

“Find a Better Way to Work,” reads FlexJobs’ slogan. True to its tagline, FlexJobs specializes in remote, part-time, and flexible jobs. It covers various industries, including data entry, transcription, customer service, and more. FlexJobs screens job listings to ensure they are legitimate and suitable for remote work.

Sign up: FlexJobs

Freelancer

Freelancer is another freelance marketplace that offers remote jobs for autistic adults in various categories, such as writing, graphic design, and virtual assistance. This Australian marketplace is one of the oldest in the market and offers legit remote jobs to freelancers.

You complete projects by submitting bids and showcasing your skills through the platform.

Sign up: Freelancer

Fiverr

When Micha Kaufman and Shai Wininger founded Fiverr in 2010, their goal was to connect freelancers with businesses that needed services.

True to that goal, Fiverr has enabled freelancers to offer services in different categories over the years, including writing, graphic design, and social media management. Freelancers create “gigs” that clients can purchase, making it easy to find and offer specific services.

Sign up: Fiverr

ProBlogger

ProBlogger is another Australian startup that has risen through the ranks over the years. The owner, Darren Rowse, is a consultant, speaker, and ardent blogger who worked for some time as a part-time minister.

The premium job board is dedicated to writing and blogging jobs and is an excellent resource for freelance writers looking for remote opportunities for autistic adults. Jobs posted on ProBlogger include blog writing, content creation, and copywriting.

Sign up: ProBlogger

99designs

If you are an autistic adult with designing skills, 99designs is the right platform for you.  At 99designs, designers can participate in contests or work directly with clients on logo design, web design, and branding projects. The platform caters specifically to design professionals.

Sign up: 99designs

GitHub Jobs

Another platform to showcase your technical skills is GitHub Jobs. At GitHub Jobs, software developers ‘meet to create different apps for their clients. The platform features listings for remote software development positions, offering opportunities for those who excel in coding and programming. It’s an excellent resource for developers looking for remote work.

Sign up: GitHub Jobs

Rev

On Rev’s home page, the platform says, “Earn Money with Transcription Jobs from Home.” True to those words, if you excel in transcribing, translating, or captioning, Rev is the right place for you. The platform offers flexible remote work opportunities, allowing freelancers to choose their projects and work schedules. Rev is ideal for those with solid listening and typing skills.

NB. Some locations may not be acceptable for signup.

Sign up: Rev

VIPKid

As the name suggests, VIPKid treats them as they deserve – VIPs. The platform connects online tutors with students in China who are learning English. So, if you excel in the English language and feel comfortable teaching Chinese kids online, Cindy Mi would gladly hire you.

Sign up: VIPKid

LiveOps

For remote customer service representatives, LiveOps is the right platform. With only 350 employees working full-time and a staggering 25,000 working remotely, LiveOps is a hub for customer service reps.

As a customer service representative, you work as an independent contractor, providing customer support for various companies. The platform allows flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work from home.

Sign up: LiveOps

Advantages of Autistic Adults Working Remotely

Remote jobs offer several benefits for autistic adults, providing a work environment that can accommodate and support their unique needs. Here are some key benefits:

• Flexible Environment: Remote work allows autistic individuals to create a personalized, controlled environment that reduces sensory overload. They can adjust lighting, noise levels, and other sensory inputs to suit their comfort.
• Reduced Social Anxiety: Working remotely for autistic adults minimizes the need for direct social interactions, which can be challenging for some autistic people. This can reduce anxiety and stress, allowing them to focus better on their tasks.
• Customizable Schedule: Many remote jobs offer flexible hours, which can benefit those needing to work at different times of the day due to sleep patterns or other personal needs.
• Reduced Commute Stress: Eliminating the need to commute can significantly reduce stress and fatigue, which can be particularly beneficial for autistic individuals who may find public transportation or driving overwhelming.
• Improved Focus and Productivity: A familiar and comfortable home environment can lead to increased focus and productivity. Autistic adults can set up their workspace in a way that minimizes distractions and supports their work style.
• Access to a Wider Range of Opportunities: Remote work opens up job opportunities that may not be available locally, allowing autistic individuals to find roles that better match their skills and interests.
• Better Work-Life Balance: Remote work’s flexibility can help autistic individuals more effectively balance work and personal life, improving overall well-being.
• Enhanced Communication Options: Remote work often relies on written communication (emails, chats) rather than face-to-face interactions, which can be more comfortable for some autistic individuals who struggle with verbal communication.
• Reduced Workplace Discrimination: Working remotely can decrease autistic adults’ exposure to potential workplace discrimination or misunderstanding, as interactions are often more task-focused and less socially intensive.
• Access to Assistive Technologies: Remote work setups allow for easier integration of assistive technologies and tools that can help autistic adults perform their job tasks more effectively.

What Now?

Clearly, there are dozens, even hundreds of remote jobs for autistic adults out there. Remote work provides a more accommodating and supportive environment for autistic adults, allowing them to leverage their strengths and contribute effectively to their roles, while earning a decent living.