3 Ways Nannying for Autistic Children (and Other Children With Disabilities) Can Strengthen Your Future Career in Occupational Therapy

The need for occupational therapists who understand how to support neurodivergent children continues to grow nationwide. For many OT students and others exploring careers working with developmental disabilities, finding early, real-world experience that aligns with coursework and personal interests can make a meaningful difference before graduate school.

For students who enjoy working directly with kids, nannying for autistic children can be an accessible and meaningful way to build foundational, non-medical caregiving experience. Many students who search for caregiver jobs for children with disabilities or opportunities working with special needs children are looking for exactly this kind of hands-on role. Marketplace platforms such as Truly Care allow families and independent caregivers to connect directly and coordinate arrangements that fit their own schedules and preferences.

Below are three ways this type of hands-on support can shape your development as a future OT.

1. Early Experience With Autism Builds a Strong Foundation

Why Early Autism Experience Matters

Many OT programs expect students to enter with a basic understanding of sensory differences, communication styles, and the day-to-day routines of children with diverse needs. While textbooks and lectures offer frameworks, spending time with autistic children provides context you simply cannot learn in a classroom and can also help you understand what supporting children with developmental disabilities looks like in everyday life.

Skills You Build Through Real-World Support

Through nannying, students often gain insight into:

• How sensory preferences influence daily routines
  
  
• Different communication methods—including spoken language, visuals, and AAC systems
  
  
• The importance of patience, consistency, flexibility, and creative problem-solving

“Working with autistic children taught me patience and flexibility in a way no textbook ever could. It helped me understand daily routines and sensory differences on a real, human level.”

These experiences can help make early graduate coursework feel more familiar and less abstract. They also help students approach their fieldwork with empathy and confidence, and give you concrete caregiver experience with children with disabilities to highlight on applications and during interviews.

2. Nannying Offers a Real-World Introduction to Pediatric OT Concepts

Developing the Soft Skills OT Programs Value

One of the things that sets pediatric OTs apart is their ability to remain calm, adaptable, and supportive in moments of unpredictability. Many students do not get the chance to build those soft skills until later in their training. Nannying, however, introduces them naturally—especially for students interested in working with special needs children in a non-medical, family-based setting.

Everyday Experiences That Parallel Pediatric OT Settings

While caregivers do not provide therapy or clinical services, they often support children in ways that reflect the everyday rhythms of pediatric life and everyday working with special needs children, such as:

• Engaging children in sensory-based play
  
  
• Using visual supports to help with transitions
  
  
• Creating predictable routines that encourage independence
  
  
• Communicating informally with families and educators to stay aligned on daily needs

Exposure to Collaboration and Family-Centered Support

This type of real-world experience helps students understand what interdisciplinary collaboration can look like—often involving speech therapists, educators, behavior specialists, and family members—all contributing to a child’s environment from their respective roles.

Most importantly, nannying allows students to support a family in meaningful, human ways that build emotional maturity—something OT programs consistently value.

3. You’re Building Transferable OT Skills Every Day

Practical Skills That Translate Into OT Training

Many of the competencies OT schools look for can be strengthened in nannying roles that offer hands-on caregiving experience. Students often gain practical experience with:

• Encouraging play that supports fine-motor and gross-motor development
  
  
• Helping children regulate emotions during moments of overstimulation
  
  
• Adapting activities to match a child’s strengths, interests, and routines
  
  
• Practicing clear, supportive communication with both children and adults

“This is the kind job that will give me the edge when it comes time to interview for OT jobs.” - Sandy

Understanding the Daily Routines of Children With Disabilities

Students often say nannying gives them a clearer understanding of what life looks like for neurodivergent children and their families—and more broadly for many children with disabilities. These insights become incredibly valuable during future fieldwork, class discussions, and long-term OT practice.

How to Start Supporting Autistic Children and Other Children With Disabilities as a Nanny

Connecting With Families Seeking Support

Many students wonder how to get connected with families seeking caregivers experienced with autism or looking for caregiver jobs for children with disabilities. Through marketplaces like Truly Care, families and independent caregivers can connect directly and coordinate arrangements that work for both sides.

Tips for Students Exploring Caregiver Roles

• Share your goals clearly. Profiles can highlight interests such as “OT student hoping to gain experience supporting neurodivergent children and working with special needs children.”
  
  
• Look for flexible roles. Many students prefer part-time, after-school, or weekend opportunities when they search for caregiver jobs for children with disabilities that fit around classes and labs.
  
  
• Explore a range of family needs. Some families may be seeking routine support, while others may prefer after-school help, structured play, or activity-based support.
  

Why These Roles Fit Naturally Into Student Life

These experiences can fit easily alongside coursework and help students explore whether pediatric OT is a path that feels right for their future goals.

Your Future in OT Starts With Small, Meaningful Steps

If you’re pursuing a career in pediatric occupational therapy, nannying for autistic children and other children with disabilities can be a supportive, hands-on way to build relevant, non-medical experience. You’ll learn about sensory needs, strengthen your communication skills, and gain confidence working with special needs children and their families, all before stepping into graduate school.

About Truly Care

Truly Care is a marketplace platform that connects families seeking caregivers with independent care providers. We are not a home health agency and do not employ caregivers. Families and caregivers set their own terms of engagement, including schedules, compensation, and job responsibilities. Families are responsible for their own hiring decisions and compliance with applicable employment and tax laws.