My Autistic Child Can't Hold a Job. What Are Our Options in San Diego?
If you are a parent in San Diego who keeps saying, "my autistic child can't seem to hold a job," I want you to know you are not alone, and it is not their fault.
For many autistic adults, a traditional 9-to-5 job is a recipe for burnout. The sensory overload of the office, the confusing social politics, and the exhaustion from "masking" (pretending to be neurotypical all day) can be unbearable. This is autistic burnout, and it's the real reason so many job programs for autism fail. They try to fit a square peg into a round hole.
They may tell you the only options are minimum-wage "placements" or a future of unemployment. They are wrong.
The Problem Isn't the Person, It's the Environment
What if your child is brilliant? What if their "special interest" is actually a high-level skill, but they can't get past the interview or the small talk?
You are worried about their future. You're looking for help for your autistic adult's future, and the options seem bleak.
But what if, instead of finding a job, they created one?
What if their deep, focused passion for gaming, history, art, or coding wasn't a "hobby," but the foundation for their own small business? This is not just a dream; it's a practical, achievable path. It's the best alternative to traditional employment I know.
How "Small Business Support" Works in San Diego
This is where my program, Caliminds Launchpad, comes in. I am an autistic entrepreneur myself, and I built this program to be the guide I never had. I mentor autistic adults one-on-one to turn their passions into profitable businesses.
And here is the most important part: small business support is a service the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) can pay for.
Through the Self-Determination Program (SDP), your child can get funding for "Supported Self-Employment." These are just official terms. In simple language, it means the Regional Center can help pay for a mentor (like me) to teach your child how to be their own boss.
Your child’s future isn't limited to the jobs that exist. It's time to create a future that is built just for them.
If you're tired of the old options, let's talk about a new one.
