I should maybe start by saying that I don't have any neurological differences to talk about myself. Or at least, not anything that's been clinically diagnosed. My sister, on the other hand, is on the autism spectrum. My experiences with her have really shaped my view on the 'disabled' community in general, especially the stigma that is attached to so many of these labels and the struggles that result.

Long story short, this is an issue I am extremely passionate about. And while I wholeheartedly believe in self advocacy, I know that sometimes advocacy has to step up another level. I recently graduated with my BA and I would love to turn this passion into a career, either in a field that would at least vaguely allow me to do advocacy work or educate the public, as I also feel that spreading understanding decreases stigma. Doesn't have to be autism-related, just should hit the broad category of 'disabilities.' I don't care too much about making money, save for enough to be decently stable (by which we're talking small apartment in a safe area of town) and I'm not afraid of graduate school/further training, either.

The trouble is, I'm having trouble coming up with ideas on careers that will let me do any of this, even if only as a small part of my job.

Ideas?

Did you have art in your BA courses? Psychology?

If so you could investigate an MA in art therapy or occupational therapy, which would place you in a position where you could also do advocacy. A couple of accounting courses too.. may help if you join a non profit group.

Thanks for the prompt reply! Actually, one of my BAs was in Psychology (the other was Economics). Sorry, I should have mentioned that sooner. I always thought for occupational therapy you needed more of a biology background, though. (At least, I remember that's true for PT, which is what I had been considering when I started off at school).

I'm open to the idea of one-on-one advocacy (although, knowing myself, I'd be encouraging the person to become a self-advocate more than anything) but I'd been considering something more at a larger scale, movement level sort of thing. Don't know how realistic that is, but that does tend to be something I do lean towards more.

Working for a nonprofit is something that appeals to me; the only issue is, like most things, I'm not sure how to go about that. Do I get my MBA, MPA, JD (I would assume movements where people's rights are at stake would need lawyers), or is my BA sufficient?

You sound like you really have your head on straight. The medical community can use some advocasy. My son opted out of psychology, and wound up being an occupational physical therapist. He loves it. He also has many extra hours in psychology, and deals with many people who have diabilities of some kind. That field is desperate for folks who want to help. This particular field has many cross over possiblilities. Requirements are hard, classes happen often even after he got his license. Some are all day courses, for further training he wanted to do. It is worth a look, as he seems very content in this occupation. He is ex Navy and didn't know what he wanted either. He helped me with my mothers decline, and that started the ball rolling. I wish you well in what ever chosen profession you have. Go for it whole heart and soul. People need you. ginnie

Ripples,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

this idea may be a lot more yrs of education but i'm thinking something in the education field? early development, childhood? just a thought.

If you have a non-porfit already in mind call and talk to their HR unit. They could give you more insight to the actual role(s) and education requirements

I have a BA in Psych besides Teaching Certification in Special Education. Worked over 12 years in a School for Emotionally Disturbed, my class was 11-14 year olds. Did also a pre-school ED class there. Worked with Psychotics, Autistics, PI, LD, NI, what-ever they threw at me. DH called them my EI-EI-O kids. Encountered lots of things.

Loved it. Close communication with Psychologists, PT, OT and Crisis. This was a private school for ED kids (Most with secondary classifications.). Loved my students and my job. Later when had my own kids and when they were gone to Preschool, worked for my town's Home Instruction program for kids who for various physical or mental reasons could not attend school. (Hip Dysplasia to beginning descent into Schitzophenia, a brain tumor, some behavioral problems (1 on 1 so I never had problems). When kids entered full day school, worked 2 miles away from them, same hours. Resource Room)