Mar 10th 10 Posted by Barbara

My Quest for a Job – An Asperger’s Job Story

“For now, my life is a 4-ton cross on my back, and I’m crucified to it. I am an autistic individual, and I consider myself between PDD-NOS and Aspergers Syndrome – right of the upper reaches of the dreaded spectrum. I with the mysterious disorder have interests that impede me from “proper living,” a normal life which neurotypical individuals (NTs) prefer over my “small world”... read more

Mar 2nd 10 Posted by Barbara

What To Do When the Bus Stops Coming – An Autism Job Story

Dan Burns’ son, Ben, spent his high school years in a pre-vocational work/study program.  Under the guidance of his one-on-one school aide, Sharon, Ben accumulated quite a bit of work experience:  he set tables at Luby’s Cafeteria, folded pizza boxes at CiCi’s Pizza, stocked video shelves at Walmart and swept the aisles at Ruibal’s Plants. So after graduation, his parents... read more

Feb 18th 10 Posted by Barbara

California Autism Employers Names: Autism Legislation

I received a call this afternoon asking if we knew the names of any California companies who employ those on the autism spectrum. California Assembly Member Jim Beall, Jr. is proposing a bill specific to the employment of  those with developmental disabilities and is trying to gather information. Unfortunately, we don’t keep an organized database of employers. I’m going to gather up a... read more

Feb 16th 10 Posted by Barbara

Small Group Home Information – Autism Job Request

“I am a mother of a 17 year old boy with autism. He will not be able to live independently, but wants all the things that a normal 17 year old boy wants (girlfriend, job, house, marriage). We live in a small town in Mississippi. I’m terrified thinking about what would happen to him when something happens to me. I am interested in trying to open a small group home with job coaching provided... read more

Feb 12th 10 Posted by Barbara

PathPoint – Adding Independence to Autism

Individuals with disabilities are just that – individuals, with different needs, interests, talents and abilities. Without proper services and programs available to them, they are at high-risk for poverty, homelessness, neglect, and abuse. PathPoint,  a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in California in 1964, is dedicated to helping people with disabilities or disadvantages reach... read more

Feb 5th 10 Posted by Barbara

The Struggle to Find a Job: An Autism Job Request

I have a friend, J , who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome. J is 21 years old and was just diagnosed with AS less than a year ago. When he was younger, and in his teen years, he was misdiagnosed as having ADHD. Medication did not help him, and discipline in the home – grounding and taking away video games- did not help either. J is having a very hard time finding and keeping a job. He also... read more