In addition to wanting to be independent, working also helps strengthen not only his jobs skills, but his self-esteem and social skills as well. I usually find his summer job myself with the help of great friends.
I have heard lots of excuses over the years; but none of them I accept. No excuses! These kids and adults can contribute to society and they will with more awareness and people like the founder of Specialisterne. This company only hires people with Autism.
I saw the story about the Specialistern last night on ABC News. What a wonderful father, family and story! I have thought about that a lot, creating something like this for my son. Some of the people that now work for this company have never had a job or have not had a decent job for 20 years. So sad when those who want to work and can contribute considerably to sociaty are kept out of the work force.
When the Autistic want to work they should be given every opportunity and assistance possible!
We need more people and more awareness of the value of those brilliant people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. April is Autism Awareness month and hope that awareness brings a lot of new opportunities for people like those at Specialistem and my son!
Very informative post...
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday !
Following you from FF, please when you get a chance check out my blog and follow me back ?
Cheers !
K
http://halfbrazilianhalfirish.blogspot.com/
we should all be afforded every opportunity to pursue life...love to hear these storiesabout people and companies that make it possible...have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday Follow.
ReplyDeleteI am here from FF.
Hope you will stop by and visit me and let me know I have been to your blog.
Rebecca
@Buttons and Bows
It must be incredibly frustrating for both you and your son! Good to hear of people who are helping.
ReplyDeleteOh, I agree that everyone should be able to contribute meangfully. There are so many different types of jobs out there that there must be jobs for people with Asperger. (In fact, sometimes they manage to get jobs as engineers and such if they have been educated, because they can be so high functioning.) Disability cannot be the answer for people who WANT to work!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby worked with a woman who has AS. I say good for your son for wanting to work and good luck!
ReplyDeleteCoreen, I never realized it would be so difficult for someone to work with that disability....what happened to the disabilities act? Don't some companies have to hire with a disability? Gosh that just plain sucks! Considering there a lot of people who can and don't work because they are just bums!~ Good luck on your mission to fight this! Happy Easter, I posted a special Easter post for my lovely peeps:)
ReplyDeletea lot of hard work, wish u all the very best :)
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine your frustration! Your son sounds like one amazing young man...good for him for wanting to work, and hopefully we can say soon...good for someone for hiring a great worker. Keep up the fight.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with that. Keep fighting!
ReplyDeletefollowing u from FF! Feel free to visit me here:
Life Can't Wait and Up Now and What's Next
I wonder what kind of job opportunities there could be for those on the spectrum who aren't bright. I hear of those who Specialistem gets jobs for who have IT skills and of those with other high level skills who already get great jobs due to their aptitudes. But I don't know what can be available for those who aren't high on the spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome recently, but I'm not smart and don't really have reliable skills and can't learn that well. I don't know what the department of vocational rehabilitation that I go to can do for me.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone can learn and can contribute something! Voc Rehab should be able to find everyone who wants to work something with a job coach and mentoring assistance. Don't give up!
ReplyDeleteHey -- what a fierce mother you are, raising awareness and shaping a good quality of life for your son! Your efforts on his behalf are lessons within themselves.
ReplyDeleteWow what a site you've created. Thanks for following me and I'm returning the favor through the "Networked Blogs" on Facebook. My son has ADHD at 5 years old, so I'm aware of life being different.
ReplyDeleteSpecialistern sounds like a wonderful company! I'm sure there are probably many, many companies who would never consider hiring someone with Asperger Syndrome. This gives hope that if one company will ONLY hire people with it that maybe others will start to follow suit!
ReplyDeleteGreat information. Thank you for sharing this and raising more awareness.
ReplyDeleteBlessings & Aloha!
(Thank you so much for stopping by! I am trying to catch up on blog reading... I totally agree...the kids do grow up sooo fast!!! Of course, us mamas and papas...well, we stay as young as ever lol)
Thanks for this amazing entry. That's why i love blogging so much because you share your information with everyone. Thanks for doing this.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day and thanks for visiting my blog
What a great company! Thanks so much for following my blog! I hope you visit and comment often! Following you back.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog via Follow Friday. I am so glad that I did. My niece is suspected to have high functioning Aspergers. Your blog is amazing,I will be sure to pass it along.
ReplyDeleteWhat does your son like to do? What kinds of jobs has he done? I also get upset when I read of employers "afraid" to hire someone with some sort of special needs. My daughter used to work at Blockbuster. They took part in a work program. Coaches came with the employee and the employee worked 2-4 hour shifts and were paid weekly just like every other employee. Truly it's one the things that endeared me to Blockbuster.
ReplyDeleteI think you are such an amazing woman for doing what you are doing. You are such an advocate!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower from FF. Can't wait to read more, stop by my blog sometime! Happy FF!
ReplyDelete-K
http://mypottyseat.blogspot.com/
I ABSOULUTELY agree with you that your son and others like him should be given every opporttunity to work. Are you serious?? I can't believe it's even an issue! With so many collecting disability and unemployment or welfare WHO DON'T QUALIFY why is it even a question?!?!?
ReplyDeleteI agree here, self esteem is the driving for for any kind of disability.. God bless and fight on.........
ReplyDeletehave a great week ahead my friend
i agree with you 120% ..anybody can learn and contribute to the society ...in fact special kids are gifted in ONE particular talent which helps them surpass average population manifold.....they are geniuses in one specific skill set for sure, history is evidence of that..unfortunately not everybody is so positive and educated to have an opinion or even heart to work on these areas...it is sad...but i am sure with people like you around things will change...i will say a little prayer for you today :)..take care and keep up the positivity..it is inspiring...
ReplyDeleteFound you through Friday Follow! I actually have my doctorate in Special Ed, w/a focus on autism. I work for a non-profit that provides services to children with disabilities, Abi's Place. Check us out on Facebook or www.abisplace.com. The school was founded by a mom just like you -- with a passion for educating children and the public. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeletehttp://huppiemama.blogspot.com