Pros
The staff you work with all want to better the lives of children affected with Autism. You get to see parents at their happiest when they see just a little improvement with their children.
Cons
Working at Autism Response Team had both positive and very challenging aspects. On the positive side, the staff are genuinely wonderful—collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to the families they serve. Getting to work directly with children and families was by far the most rewarding part of the job.
That said, there are serious issues with ownership and operations. Pay is well below industry standards, and scheduling is chaotic and unreliable, making it difficult to plan or maintain a healthy work-life balance. While the direct managers tried to do their best, the owners often made decisions that created stress and instability. During my time there, they hired individuals who were not appropriate for the work environment, including one employee who hid alcohol in their desk and another who was eventually let go for manhandling a child and cursing at them.
The organization struggles with limited bandwidth and budget, and while the mission is admirable, favoritism and cliques within staff circles create tension. Turnover is extremely high, and many employees leave due to burnout, lack of financial stability, or lack of growth opportunities.
This job is not suited for someone seeking mentorship, guidance, or competitive pay. However, for individuals who are passionate about serving families and children with autism, and who can handle stress, anxiety, and slow progress over time, the experience can still be meaningful.