09-17-2007, 01:05 PM
Autism shouldn't become roadblock to working world
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Posted September 17, 2007
Letters: Autism shouldn't become roadblock to working world
Finding gainful employment is difficult, to say the least, but how much harder that seems to be if you are among those with disabilities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control Web site, approximately one in 150 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. My son just happens to be one of them. He has Asperger's syndrome, which is a mild form of autism.
Age 21 now, he lives at home and collects disability income. He has been assisted by the county in testing his abilities, finding him temporary work experiences, and soon will begin working on improving social skills. I have been very pleased with the county's help.
A wonderful lady has been working diligently to find my son permanent work. This is where the problem lies.
After many, many job applications, there were two places that seemed eager to hire him — until someone in higher management positions decided they didn't want to hire someone with an autism disorder.
Do they not understand that this is discrimination? Is there a fear of what they don't understand?
Here is a young man with a genius IQ who wants to work, was never late to his job experiences, never called in sick, is honest to a fault — yet is not given a chance because of prejudice, plain and simple.
Adults with autism are a fact of life. Would we prefer they live on disability income alone, or do we want them to become contributing members of society, paying their own way in this world?
I know what my preference is for my son.
Ruth Kieffer, Neenah
Advertisement
Posted September 17, 2007
Letters: Autism shouldn't become roadblock to working world
Finding gainful employment is difficult, to say the least, but how much harder that seems to be if you are among those with disabilities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control Web site, approximately one in 150 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. My son just happens to be one of them. He has Asperger's syndrome, which is a mild form of autism.
Age 21 now, he lives at home and collects disability income. He has been assisted by the county in testing his abilities, finding him temporary work experiences, and soon will begin working on improving social skills. I have been very pleased with the county's help.
A wonderful lady has been working diligently to find my son permanent work. This is where the problem lies.
After many, many job applications, there were two places that seemed eager to hire him — until someone in higher management positions decided they didn't want to hire someone with an autism disorder.
Do they not understand that this is discrimination? Is there a fear of what they don't understand?
Here is a young man with a genius IQ who wants to work, was never late to his job experiences, never called in sick, is honest to a fault — yet is not given a chance because of prejudice, plain and simple.
Adults with autism are a fact of life. Would we prefer they live on disability income alone, or do we want them to become contributing members of society, paying their own way in this world?
I know what my preference is for my son.
Ruth Kieffer, Neenah