Oct 21st 09 Posted by Barbara

Tips from CSAAC’s John Solyst – Autism Job Stories

For more than 15 years, John Solyst has been locating employment positions for clients of CSAAC (Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children.)  As Assistant Director for Supported Employment at CSAAC, he deals directly with employers and job coaches to match positions with job skills – what the clients are good at or what they enjoy. He won’t put a client in a job where they’ll... read more

Oct 16th 09 Posted by Barbara

Nat-of-all-Trades: An Autism Job Story

“When our kids have disabilities, on the one hand we believe that fantasy, dreams, and plans are no longer possible,” Susan Senator writes in her September 30, 2009 blog post, “My FaNATasy.” Susan is a writer and mother to three boys, including Nat, 19, who has autism. She uses her writing talents “to make sense of autism and find a way to my oldest son, and help others... read more

Oct 9th 09 Posted by Barbara

Raising Brandon – An Autism Story

The goal of all parents is to raise their children to be independent adults. Adults with jobs. Adults who live on their own. Even if  a child has special needs, the goal is the same – helping that child reach his or her full potential. There are just more obstacles to overcome along the way. Amalia Starr started out on the journey thirty-six years ago when her son Brandon was born. Brandon has... read more

Sep 25th 09 Posted by Barbara

Transition is Key to Job Success for Microfilmer – Autism Job Story

Nancy Henn, a woman in her late thirties with significant autism, has worked 40 hours a week at union scale and full benefits in the same job for over 13 years.  According to an article written by her mother, Marilyn Henn, for Autism Spectrum Quarterly in 2005, Nancy’s duties include microfilming, catching metered mail, doing inter- and intra-departmental mail delivery, and making notepads.... read more

Aug 20th 09 Posted by Barbara

Degree + High IQ = Job, right?

Not necessarily.  And especially not if you are an adult living anywhere on the autism spectrum. Even for those on the higher end, the social interaction alone can be too difficult and stressful. Peter Griffin, a 29-year-old with an IQ of 159 and a degree in astrophysics…and a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome…has held a job since he was 16. However, it’s only one day a week. ... read more