Career In Meteorology

How to determine a career choice for an adult with High Functioning Autism?

I keep having second thoughts about my potential career choice. I have been in college for a year now and I am not sure if I really want to be a BioSystems engineer. I use to think that it was the perfect career choice but lately I have slightly depressed about my decision. I think it might be the mathematics involved. I ask myself the question “Do I really want to spend the rest of my life doing math?” But I think I am asking myself the wrong question. I have never been a huge fan of math; but I have learned to accept it as useful knowledge. I have high functioning autism and I am limited in my social abilities. I have unintentionally based my career choice on my disability because I know that I really do not like social situations enough to be a doctor, therapist, veterinarian, lawyer, teacher, so on and so forth. I have raised the pros and cons of my career choice and have determined that BioSystems engineering is seemingly the best career for me, but I think I might be missing something on my quest for self actualization. Another possible career choice that I would possibly enjoy would be screenplay writing; but I only think of screenplay writing as a hobby. I have also thought of meteorology but I really do not want to transfer to OU from OSU. Does anyone have any ideas that could help me determine a suitable career choice?

Public Comments

1. You're definately an amazing individual to have overcome so much adversity and challenges in your life! Please do talk with a student advisor at your school and discuss your concerns at that time and how you used to consider engineering as the most suitable job field but that you've had second thoughts. For general career information: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'writers and editors', 'engineers', 'atmospheric sciences' (for meteorologist and a very tough field to get involved in) or any other career that piques one's interest. For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ To do another type of search for college, here is a website in which former students may post about their experiences at college: http://www.studentsreview.com and can type into search and click 'comments' if there are any. Edit: With schooling, please steer clear of those online, for-profit schools (may have 'bricks and mortar' buildings and may be 'accredited') such as penn foster, capella, university of phoenix, devry, ITT tech, everest, ashworth, kaplan, argosy, walden, sanford brown, anthem, colorado tech, remington, ashford, strayer and others as they are merely out to 'make a profit' (and course credits may not transfer): http://www.ripoffreport.com and can type into search.
2. I have aspergers and bipolar...I have been a pediatric RN since 1986...I did 13 years of PTA work...have 2 big kids (one with aspergers and one with PDD)...I think you could do anything you set your mind to do. It sounds like you know yourself pretty good..I do like people and nursing was a good fit for me. You will have to interact with people no matter what path you choose, however. I liked nursing because I was able to withdraw and do my paperwork when I needed a break...and I did the kind of nursing that had me at the bedside, working with very few patients because of the acuity of their illnesses, and this worked well. I did not function as well when I became older and had to do less intense nursing, in a doctor's office, and the egos and office politics driving me crazy. I thrived in situations that were dramatic and my intensity matched the medical situation. The little petty dramas of prima donna health care providers turned me off. So, my point being, it may not be all situations with people that stress one; you may like a busy impersonal setting, or a more calm, laid back one, regardless of the career. I would think you need to be an avid people watcher to write screenplays. My gut feeling? Choose the career that appeals...and then develop yourself as a whole person...include developing social skills as well as scientific skills. All people, everywhere, have to do this, not just us autistic guys. You do seem like a good writer. Can you combine science and writing? Good for you for all this self-examining...
3. I agree that you have to go after what you love to do. Don't worry about the social aspects just yet. Focus on learning what you'll need to learn to pursue your dreams. If you really love animals and science/biology, then perhaps being a veterinarian might be a good choice. You could work in a zoo or place like Sea World where you're dealing mostly with animals behind the scenes. Only a few co workers to interact with, who are also more focused on the animals than interpersonal relationships. As you grow comfortable in your job, you will learn the scripts needed for the situations that will come up. Figure out what you really enjoy doing, as you'll be doing it for a long time. Once you narrow your field, we could throw out tons of ideas of jobs in that field. There is a sports reporter in my town who has autism. He's married and has a daughter. I've met and talked to him a few times at our local "Autism Awareness Fairs" He's not that comfortable in the social situations, but he tries. He's a great reporter and chose that profession so he would work by himself, and capitalize on his love of sports. You have a better than average aptitude for writing and expressing yourself so don't discount professions in writing. I could swear my husband is on the edge of the spectrum, super high functioning aspergers. Our daughter has autism. My husband was very shy, hated all social situations, hates parties. He's now a self employed auto mechanic. No co workers, some social situations in buying parts, dealing with customers. He's really learned that most people just like you to listen to them. If you remember their dogs name and ask about it, they think you're the greatest. He still doesn't like going to things like weddings, back to school night, open house at school, as there are to many social variables, it's unpredictable. Work however is pretty predictable and only a one on one conversation.
4. Most states have an agency of vocational rehabilitation that can really help you out - sometimes called "voc rehab." The people there are well versed in your diagnosis and can offer you tests that will also examine your interests and skills to determine what careers would be a good fit for you. If college is required for your goals, then voc rehab can also assist you in choosing a good college and getting the accomodations you need to be successful.