Employing People with Autism (And Clearing the Palate of Savage)

By Kim Stagliano

I've had it with agita from Michael Savage. Below is a link to an article about employing adults with autism. Our cute, cuddly kids are all growing up, friends. We will want them to get jobs. For some it will be relatively easy, for others, they will need intense support from a job coach.

Our local children's librarian has autism. I met a lovely gal who worked at our grocery store (she also sings in our church choir) who has Asperger's. She's working on her master's degree. And you all know John Elder Robison, author of Look me In the Eye (which comes out in paperback this Fall!) He's another good friend who has taught me about autism from the high functioning/Asperger's side of the mountain.

From wcco.com: Alex Ashkar is a model employee at the Bull Run coffee roasters. And he has autism. Read the full article from Minneapolis HERE.  I'm off to have another cup of coffee. I think I'll toast Alex Ashkar. I'm sure it will wash away the bitter taste left in my mouth by Michael Savage. Then again, so would battery acid. (Thanks to our Media Editor Anne Dachel for sending me the article.)

You can email Bull Run owner GREG HOYT to thank him for his commitment to our community.

Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism. Coffee is an autism Mom's best friend.

Comments

[Stagmom for Greg Hoyt]

Greg, are you kidding! Caffeine is mother's milk to an autism Mom! In fact, I'm still chucking a hearty brew (which shall remain nameless) at 5pm. But wait! It's cocktail hour! Time to switch to iced coffee!

Thanks so much for popping into the site. And thanks a million times over to your commitment to hiring people with special situations.

Kim

[Greg Hoyt]

On behalf of Bull Run Roasting Company, I hope more businesses recognize the opportunity to hire people with autism. The right connection between a business' needs and unique gifts which exist in those with autism is a blessing when discovered. Alex has been employed by Bull Run for over 18 months and is a key part of our team.
Stay caffeinated!!!

[nhokkanen]

My son saw that WCCO-TV job segment last night. When the man was shown folding boxes, I asked Andy what he thought. "Boring!" he said. "You know what I want to be? A beta tester." Yeah, what kid wouldn't want to play video games all day -- and get paid for it?

One autism advocate called for establishment of a state autism task force. Two years ago other Minnesota advocates proposed one but Governor Tim Pawlenty has failed to take action. It will probably take some form of public humiliation before this administration moves forward on autism planning.

[Anne Dachel]

As the parent of a 21 year old with Asperger's, I've seen first hand how unprepared the workplace is for autism.
In the coming years, as more and more children with autism become adults, we must specifically address their
needs and abilities to find them employment. People working with the disabled will need the training and understanding
to deal with a disorder that isn't common in the present adult population.
If we don't start to recognize that this is coming and provide a future for autism, these upcoming young adults will bankrupt us.
How many 18 year olds can we afford to have not working and on disability?
Anne Dachel
Media editor

[Holly M.]

I love this story. It gives me hope.