7 answers
Bea
Student
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
696 views
what are some good careers for people with adhd?
what are some good jobs for somebody who has adhd/autism, but doesnt like math or have any interest in working into the medical feild. but does very well in english and the soical sciences.
7 answers
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
61
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hii Bea!!
There isn’t one “perfect” career for someone with ADHD or autism — what matters most is finding environments that match your strengths, not just the label.
Many people with ADHD, for example, do very well in roles that are:
• Engaging and dynamic (not repetitive)
• Meaningful or people-centered
• Flexible or allow some autonomy
• Aligned with their interests (this is key for motivation)
Since you mentioned you’re strong in English and social sciences and not interested in math or medicine, there are actually many great paths you could explore:
• Psychology, counseling, or social work (especially if you enjoy understanding and helping people)
• Communications, writing, or content creation
• Teaching, education, or tutoring
• Human resources or organizational roles
• Marketing, especially areas related to storytelling or human behavior
• Law or advocacy-related fields
• Nonprofit or community-based work
For ADHD specifically, it can help to look for careers where:
• You’re not doing the exact same task all day
• You can interact with people or ideas
• There’s some level of creativity or problem-solving
Also, it’s important to shift the perspective: ADHD is not just a limitation — it often comes with strengths like creativity, empathy, curiosity, and the ability to think differently.
The best next step is to explore small experiences (classes, volunteering, internships) and notice where you feel engaged and energized — that’s usually a better guide than trying to find a “perfect” job on paper.
You’re not limited — you just need the right fit.
There isn’t one “perfect” career for someone with ADHD or autism — what matters most is finding environments that match your strengths, not just the label.
Many people with ADHD, for example, do very well in roles that are:
• Engaging and dynamic (not repetitive)
• Meaningful or people-centered
• Flexible or allow some autonomy
• Aligned with their interests (this is key for motivation)
Since you mentioned you’re strong in English and social sciences and not interested in math or medicine, there are actually many great paths you could explore:
• Psychology, counseling, or social work (especially if you enjoy understanding and helping people)
• Communications, writing, or content creation
• Teaching, education, or tutoring
• Human resources or organizational roles
• Marketing, especially areas related to storytelling or human behavior
• Law or advocacy-related fields
• Nonprofit or community-based work
For ADHD specifically, it can help to look for careers where:
• You’re not doing the exact same task all day
• You can interact with people or ideas
• There’s some level of creativity or problem-solving
Also, it’s important to shift the perspective: ADHD is not just a limitation — it often comes with strengths like creativity, empathy, curiosity, and the ability to think differently.
The best next step is to explore small experiences (classes, volunteering, internships) and notice where you feel engaged and energized — that’s usually a better guide than trying to find a “perfect” job on paper.
You’re not limited — you just need the right fit.
Hi, Diana, do you think being a graphic designer would be good for someone with ADHD and Autism?
Evaline
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
61
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Bea,
I agree with the answers given and would add that there are plenty of career options that do not focus on math or the medical field. Since you are strong in English and social sciences, you might look into areas like writing, communications, marketing, law, public relations, teaching, project management, change management, or roles that involve working with people and ideas. These roles have worked great for me.
If you have ADHD or are on the autism spectrum, it can help to choose work that keeps your attention, gives you some flexibility, or allows you to focus on things you enjoy. The goal is not to fit into one box, but to find something that works with how you think and learn. Be okay with changing your role when it no longer fits. Exploring different roles over time can help you figure out what feels right for you.
I agree with the answers given and would add that there are plenty of career options that do not focus on math or the medical field. Since you are strong in English and social sciences, you might look into areas like writing, communications, marketing, law, public relations, teaching, project management, change management, or roles that involve working with people and ideas. These roles have worked great for me.
If you have ADHD or are on the autism spectrum, it can help to choose work that keeps your attention, gives you some flexibility, or allows you to focus on things you enjoy. The goal is not to fit into one box, but to find something that works with how you think and learn. Be okay with changing your role when it no longer fits. Exploring different roles over time can help you figure out what feels right for you.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
194
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, Diana's answer is superb, in my opinion. So take a good hard look.
The only thing I can add is taking a hard look at teaching. Especially grade school, as the students can be c challenging, but eager, given the right approach.
The setting is challenging, of course. But, as Diana states, you are not doing the same things all day, you are interacting with people (that probably need you in many ways whether they know it or not), there will be loads of problems to solve (students in that age range have loads of problems, as far as they are concerned, and the more creative you are the better the students will do.
But in the end, your career choices are for you to center on. I spent a decades in classrooms, so I am drawn to the profession, but that does not mean you should be.
So full circle, back to Diana and her missives. And the other areas where you can do so well.
And you asked the question(s) and that's the right place to start.
The only thing I can add is taking a hard look at teaching. Especially grade school, as the students can be c challenging, but eager, given the right approach.
The setting is challenging, of course. But, as Diana states, you are not doing the same things all day, you are interacting with people (that probably need you in many ways whether they know it or not), there will be loads of problems to solve (students in that age range have loads of problems, as far as they are concerned, and the more creative you are the better the students will do.
But in the end, your career choices are for you to center on. I spent a decades in classrooms, so I am drawn to the profession, but that does not mean you should be.
So full circle, back to Diana and her missives. And the other areas where you can do so well.
And you asked the question(s) and that's the right place to start.
Rachel Masters
Kernel/Software Engineer
13
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
I neither have ADHD or autism, but I would strongly recommend basing your career off of what you enjoy rather than something that "should" fit with ADHD or autism. In general, from what I have observed (my husband has ADHD, friend has autism), people in general find the most fulfillment in what they are passionate about, and it is way more natural/motivating to work on something you are passionate about. Now maybe you aren't totally sure what you are passionate about, and that is ok! In that case, I would recommend trying different things, new hobbies, and seeing how you feel about them.
I think the key here is that no matter what you do, there will be great times and roadblocks, so you mostly just need to develop skills to frame roadblocks as learning opportunities rather than criticisms or failures. In terms of specific advice, I find that my husband (ADHD) thrives in a high variety job because it keeps him interested/stimulated, so he has a job where he does a lot of physical activity, talking with people, and visiting different places. The autistic friend I am thinking of loves research because it is an opportunity to drill down into a topic. However, since ADHD and autism are both spectrums, it is more important to define what you value and know what makes you happy, as two people with the same illness have totally different experiences for a variety of reasons.
I think the key here is that no matter what you do, there will be great times and roadblocks, so you mostly just need to develop skills to frame roadblocks as learning opportunities rather than criticisms or failures. In terms of specific advice, I find that my husband (ADHD) thrives in a high variety job because it keeps him interested/stimulated, so he has a job where he does a lot of physical activity, talking with people, and visiting different places. The autistic friend I am thinking of loves research because it is an opportunity to drill down into a topic. However, since ADHD and autism are both spectrums, it is more important to define what you value and know what makes you happy, as two people with the same illness have totally different experiences for a variety of reasons.
Steve Chan
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Counselling/Psychologist/Researcher/Political writer.
I'm a software engineer, but prior to discovering this field, i 'd have very short attention span on most of the things i've done. But upon taking a lecture there, i realized i was fully immersed and time felt irrelevant. I'd highly encourage you to find something where your time is free for yourself to control, that way, you can deliver results in your own term, from your own time without corporate hierarchy/politics/rules that ties you down. Keep searching till you find something that locks you in. Cheers!
I'm a software engineer, but prior to discovering this field, i 'd have very short attention span on most of the things i've done. But upon taking a lecture there, i realized i was fully immersed and time felt irrelevant. I'd highly encourage you to find something where your time is free for yourself to control, that way, you can deliver results in your own term, from your own time without corporate hierarchy/politics/rules that ties you down. Keep searching till you find something that locks you in. Cheers!
Jessica Gegner, CCMP™
Change Partner Senior
99
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Diana's answer definitely gives a lot of great options for you based on what you say you excel in and enjoy. I would focus more on your personality and strengths to help guide you toward a career instead of things like ADHD/Autism that you might feel are limitations. There are laws in place that help ensure people receive the accommodations they need in the workplace for any disabilities they might have now or in the future.
To help you understand your personality better and potential careers that are ideal for folks with that personality, I might recommend you complete a personality test at https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test . The Myers-Briggs personality typing is one of the most reputable in the psychology field in understanding people's individual tendencies.
When it comes to your strengths, take note of the positive feedback you get from teachers and the classes that come naturally to you. Also, ask close trusted friends, family members, and teachers where they see you excel. Find what the common thread is between those strengths you see in yourself and the activities that come more easily to you. Do you enjoy working by yourself or do you prefer to work on a team? Do you like working with your hands or do you prefer brainstorming and being creative? All of these things should help you point yourself toward a fulfilling career.
To help you understand your personality better and potential careers that are ideal for folks with that personality, I might recommend you complete a personality test at https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test . The Myers-Briggs personality typing is one of the most reputable in the psychology field in understanding people's individual tendencies.
When it comes to your strengths, take note of the positive feedback you get from teachers and the classes that come naturally to you. Also, ask close trusted friends, family members, and teachers where they see you excel. Find what the common thread is between those strengths you see in yourself and the activities that come more easily to you. Do you enjoy working by yourself or do you prefer to work on a team? Do you like working with your hands or do you prefer brainstorming and being creative? All of these things should help you point yourself toward a fulfilling career.
Syed Faiyaz Haider (Power BI Developer and Automation Expert)
Data analyst
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Syed Faiyaz’s Answer
HI Bea,
Firstly, it is important to understand that personal challenges or differences do not determine what a person can or cannot do professionally. A career should be chosen based on one’s interests, strengths, and abilities, not labels. When people focus on what they enjoy and do well, they are more likely to find success and satisfaction in their work.
For someone who does not enjoy math or medicine but does well in English and the social sciences, there are many suitable career options. These include writing and communication roles such as journalism, content writing, editing, or publishing; education‑related careers like teaching or tutoring in the humanities; social science and public service roles in research, policy, NGOs, or government; human resources and organizational roles; and careers in law, media, communications, or public relations.
In conclusion, career success depends on aligning personal interests and strengths with the right field and work environment. Strong skills in English and social sciences open up a wide range of meaningful and rewarding career paths.
Firstly, it is important to understand that personal challenges or differences do not determine what a person can or cannot do professionally. A career should be chosen based on one’s interests, strengths, and abilities, not labels. When people focus on what they enjoy and do well, they are more likely to find success and satisfaction in their work.
For someone who does not enjoy math or medicine but does well in English and the social sciences, there are many suitable career options. These include writing and communication roles such as journalism, content writing, editing, or publishing; education‑related careers like teaching or tutoring in the humanities; social science and public service roles in research, policy, NGOs, or government; human resources and organizational roles; and careers in law, media, communications, or public relations.
In conclusion, career success depends on aligning personal interests and strengths with the right field and work environment. Strong skills in English and social sciences open up a wide range of meaningful and rewarding career paths.
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