Meet Josh E.

Four years ago, Josh, age 32, felt stuck in a life he didn’t love, in a Kansas community that didn’t quite fit. Now, he is thriving as an elementary school teaching assistant in his home of Pensacola Beach, Florida. His new life has opened the doors to a rewarding career, solid support system and fulfilling personal life where he can thrive and be himself. But his road to success wasn’t always smooth sailing; it took a fearless mentality to create the life he always knew he deserved. 

As someone who was diagnosed with autism at 13, Josh says that being able to advocate for himself and the autistic community through his work with Autism Speaks is something that’s become an integral part of his life. For the last three years, he has been a valued and engaged member of the Self-Advocate Committee that advises the Autism Speaks Autism Care Network, a first of its kind Learning Health Network for autism. Are you in search of advanced care for yourself or your autistic child? The Autism Care Network is built to directly support you. Reach out today!

Josh has also served as a panelist for Family ECHO: Autism, a virtual training series designed to build caregivers’ confidence in raising a child with autism through learning and discussion with experts and community members.  

Josh has also served as a panelist for Family ECHO: Autism, a virtual training series designed to build caregivers’ confidence in raising a child with autism through learning and discussion with experts and community members.  

Learn more about Josh and his personal journey in this Q&A: 

What have you learned as you’ve transitioned to your new life in Florida? 

I’ve learned about the significance of self-care and how important it truly is. I’m also learning to be less of a perfectionist and not beat myself up for reasons that are not my fault. I’ve learned that when a situation happens and you wish you could change it, what’s done is done. Recognize you’re only human and learn to love what makes you who you are. 

A counselor once told me to view myself like I’m watching myself on television. When a character you know and love on television makes a mistake, you don’t judge them because you know their nature, their heart and their character. That puts it in perspective. That’s something I want to put into practice more and it’s something that I think can help other people. Moving here has really helped my mental health and brought me out of my shell. I’ve regained a lot of my individuality. It’s been a hard road, I admit, but I see myself becoming better at applying coping strategies. I have to thank my mother and father for that. My father has been very encouraging. He has been such a great advisor, relating to me through life experience and reminding me to brush off small situations and treat every day like trial and error. 

How did you decide to transition into a career in elementary education? 

While I was still living in Kansas, I had just received my bachelor's degree in social work and was looking for a job to help people with autism. I was offered a job as a paraprofessional for an elementary school and gained a great deal of experience. At the end of the school year, I went to Florida to stay with my parents and figure out the next chapter of my life. I spent the summer as an instructor for an autism summer camp and then accepted a job as a special education para for a high school in Florida.  

After working there for a full school year, I realized it was not what I was looking for. I spent my summer looking for the right job and managed to get a transfer as a teacher's aide for an elementary school in my school's same district. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I became part of a great team, worked under a wonderful teacher, and so much experience and wisdom in the world of education. My job has also helped me realize I work especially well with elementary age children.  

How have you enjoyed your new role? 

I have enjoyed my time as a teacher's aide very much. It has had both rewards and challenges. My time working at the elementary school has shown me the true responsibilities that come from working in special education. I have a much greater appreciation for people working in special education after having seen the heart and discipline involved. This job helps me to realize that I am making a difference for my students, and my job has a purpose. 

What advice would you give to other autistic adults struggling to figure out their next employment move? 

If anyone in the autism community is looking for a career change, I offer this advice. It helps to be patient, you need to keep active, and trust that the job you're meant to have at this point in your life will be waiting for you. It's also important to know that only receiving acceptance for one job title you've had before does not mean being type cast in life.  

Can you share tips on how you transition from summer to getting back into your routine for the school year? 

While I would say my list of steps for transitioning is short, I would say there are a few things I have done in the past to prepare for the school year. I try to make sure I have appropriate clothes and shoes for my job and go shopping before school starts if necessary. I also have to remember to set my alarm since my job starts so early in the morning. It also helps that from the start to the end of the school year I have my clothes picked out the night before I start work. Along with my clothes, I like to try to have a meal picked out or prepared for lunch the night before I start work.  

Related employment resources:

Are you or someone you care about looking for employment opportunities in your area? With only 20 percent of people with disabilities, including those with autism, being employed, despite having the skillset and desire to work, Autism Speaks is here to help bridge the gap to finding meaningful employment. Visit our employment resources page to learn more and get access to tool kits, job networks and much more.