Over the last year and a half we have really struggled with trying to find supports and services for Alex to enter the job force. We know he still wants to learn more and heading back to school one day may still be an option. We also know he wants to start his own business someday and he assures us it will be amazing! “Mom, you and Dad can work out of my Toronto office and Zoe can work with me in New York City” Alex regularly tells us. His focus for now though has been trying to find his first part-time job. As Alex says, “I need a job now so I can have my own money for stuff and stop using the bank of mom and dad.” One thing we know for certain is that Alex wants to have independence – sometimes a little too much – but he wants to be self-sufficient. Just last week he stopped while helping his Dad in the yard to say “you know they pay people to do this type of work” To which his Dad said “yes they do”. Alex replied “so are you hiring?”

Through a referral from the Autism Job Club, Alex finished a training course at our local YMCA which helps connect young adults with work. We were told he was “entertaining” in the classes, especially when describing his top strengths as “excellent memory, superior dancing skills and food connoisseur”. There was also the need to intervene with an audit of his resume. We had to have a long discussion about how “being involved in the Pan Am Games” had to be more than just watching the event. Still he persevered and finished the 60 hour program which was an accomplishment in itself.

Then he began the job search. I can’t imagine the reaction from some store or shop owners when confronted with “Hi, excuse me; I was wondering if you are hiring? I’m autistic and I am looking for a job. I have a resume.” From all accounts, Alex told us most people were pleasantly surprised and gladly accepted his resume. Some seemed a little confused. He said one man told him he would hire someone with special needs as they “only call in sick if they are really sick”. To which Alex said, “Oh I would only call in sick if it was FanExpo weekend”.

Alex returned earlier this week from a day of “job hunting” to tell us about an impromptu interview he had at a local restaurant. The owner asked him about his qualifications. He said he paid attention to details. The owner asked him if he could provide an example to which Alex said “you know, like if I see someone putting salt on their food – I need to warn them about heart disease. It’s a killer these days.” He also was quite clear on letting potential employers know he couldn’t work on Saturday mornings because he had “YU GI OH”. An older store owner remarked “that sounds interesting, is that a martial arts type class?” To which Alex replied “no it’s a card game, I would invite you but it’s not really for old people like you.”

Fast forward to this past week when I received the best call. “Mom, guess what?” “What?” I replied. “I got it. I got a job!” The joy in Alex’s voice spoke volumes. While it may be a small, part-time job, it is a job for him. A responsibility and a positive step forward towards independence. It also reinforces why we need to ensure ongoing support for children with autism as they grow up and move into adulthood. Thank you to the restaurant that is willing to support young adults with autism! Now pass the salt!