What Careers Are Out There That Work With Autistic and Down Syndrome Children?

Question by Ashley L: What careers are out there that work with autistic and down syndrome children?
I am a junior in college and my major is Special Education. I want to teach special education, but I was thinking about continuing my education and getting a masters in Psychology. My dream job would be working with autistic or down syndrome children in the hospital atmosphere. Do you know of any other careers other than Special Education? Thanks =)

Best answer:

Answer by tushanna_m
Still within special education is “gifted” teacher. In my experience many of the “gifted” children have a form of autism called Asperger Syndrome, which is what makes them “gifted” in certain areas and lacking in others such as socialization and people skills.

Another job series involving many autistic and down syndrome children is neurotherapy. Neurotherapy clinics typically have speech pathologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapists. These are usually clinics where patients come in for treatment sessions of 1 hr increments.

As far as a hospital setting, there are “developmental centers” for those with down syndrome or autism. These are live-in, around the clock care centers for those with severe developmental delays. They usually have doctors, psychiatric nurses, aides with special psychology training, activity coordinators, dietary specialists, food service people, etc. Basically all the same professions as a nursing home. However, there are not as many of these as there used to be. It has been my experience that most families now chose to keep developmenally delayed and handicapped children at home and send them to regular or special schools, as well as seek out patient treatments for them in clinical setting.

There are also many summer camps designed especially for those with down syndrome and autism. It would probably be good for you to apply as a camp counselor and work at one of these for the summer to be sure this is the right path for you. Plus it would give you experience for the resume.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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