Boy, have I been there...
[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900544.html]A 19-year-old autistic boy's mother laments over his trouble finding a job.[/quote]
Interesting story. The parents should try to get their son some specialized training for a job that he would excel in rather than try getting him all these dead end part-time jobs. Volunteer jobs are good experience and can count for work experience. Not having a high school diploma makes it difficult for anyone to get a job. What really bothers me is that these employers are discriminating against people and getting away with it. - visibly disabled people - heard that before.
I guess his parents have got the idea that autistic kids can't go to college... I don't see why he couldn't, really; even if usual classes are too stressful, he could surely get a degree via correspondence.
He can get some training that would provide him with skills that go beyond retail or other job. Contrary to what his parents probably are thinking, he can get a college degree, even if it takes him longer than the average student. He'd likely qualify for assistance through the Disabled Student Services program that schools have.
Yeah... I qualified with only moderate AS to my name. Surely someone with full-blown autism could get in.
It depends what this boy wants to do too. If he wants to go to college, he should be helped. If he wants to get a job with his current level of education, I think an employer should give him a go.