Curt's cousin Jayden turned nine today and Curtis had ages on the brain. He made a giant nine for Jayden in the form of a road, followed by his name and age and a few more after that. He also wrote down his school's character traits which he memorized some time ago.

Curtis plans to be an artist when he grows up and doesn't particularly care if he is compensated for his work. That seems like an achievable goal to be sure and would negate factors that make autism difficult in a classic work place. However, it wouldn't hurt to mix in some paid work I've told him, in order to fund all the art supplies he is going to need. Here are a few success stories about adults with aserbergers or who are on the autism spectrum and succeeding in the workplace.
A start-up company called Aspiritech, a hybrid of he words "Asperger's," ''spirit" and "technology.", hires only individuals on the spectrum to work on computer software. Talents associated with autism, such as memory for detail and comfort with repetition, are ideal traits for software testers. At the same time, the controlled environment allows these employees to be themselves. Traits that are typically detrimental in the work place, like poor communication, lack of eye contact, and a tendency to get easily overwhelmed, are neutralized by understanding employers at this non-profit venture. For many on the autism spectrum, the work they do isn't half as hard as succeeding in a job interview or networking to find employment in the first place.
Brian Forward is a 21 year old with autism who recently started his own business. As a child, he developed a fascination with vacuum cleaners, which helped to soothe his anxieties related to the condition. He learned the inner workings of the vacuum cleaner, could detail every working part of the machine and eventually began to work in a store repairing vacuums. Eventually he decided to start his own store and go to work for himself repairing vacuums. He's also got a driver's license, something young Curtis already has designs on for himself.
Antonio Henderson-Davis is an 18 year old with autism who became a viral sensation when a video of his rapping hit youtube. He now goes by the nickname 50 Tyson and has a record contract on the label of former NBA player Troy Hudson. 50 Tyson just released his first album titled "50 Tyson Presents The Rhythm of Autism Vol. 1." and he continues to raise awareness of autism through his rhymes.
Adults with disabilities typically have a great deal of difficulty finding and maintaining employment. It's not unchartered territory  however, and we've learned to take Curtis' condition one day at a time. With some luck, all the work that goes into helping him make connections in his autistic brain now will result in his ability to work and live independently as an adult.

Greg, Dad

When I take Curtis out to do chalk I generally pick a place that's non-crowded but where his work will eventually be seen. The back of a school, an open area inside a park early in the morning, but anywhere that doesn't involve moving traffic or a gazebo will work. Today Curtis did these roads at the entrance to a public playground presenting more foot traffic than he's used to while he works. I rigged the setting so I could watch a baseball game on an adjacent field. I've watched the scene unfold many times where people politely pass by as he starts, but end up fixated after he's been given some time to start fleshing out his drawing.
      When Curtis "does roads" he generally shuts out the outside world. The main reason it's easier to pick a non-crowded place is because Curtis typically won't respond to inquiries about what he's drawing while it's in progress. My favorite reaction today was a girl about 10 years old who just stood there with her mouth open for a minute as me and Curtis exchanged smiles. She never said anything. It's difficult at first for people to interpret what they are viewing at first, especially other kids.
      The first thing most adults do when they see the roads is ask me or Curtis if he had help. Then they look at it when we say no and it's fairly obvious only one person worked on it. Sometimes Curtis will explain it's the Maine Turnpike. Other times it's 1-95, to 495, to I-90, to I-84. Some kids tug at their parents to look at what Curt's doing and they either look or don't, but the kids almost always stare in amazement or curiosity. Another common reaction is "Oh, so  YOU'RE the one who does these!" Many others take in the drawing smiling for a while and just wish Curtis a good day. Once Curtis starts getting compliments on his art, he expects them from everyone. Should someone look at his work and not comment, he typically looks at me and says, "Well, I guess no compliments that time". He has to be reminded that he does not need a 100% public approval rate.
      Curtis is not especially aware of the passing time while he works, which is really the most impressive piece of it to me. These are "projects" that if you assigned them to a typically developing child, I imagine they would likely abandon the work in a matter of minutes. With Curtis, there is usually not enough chalk or time to complete the picture in his head. I am careful not to let it go on for too long, but I see nothing wrong with the temporary relaxing escape this sidewalk chalk affords to him. He breaks only to go to the bathroom or request water or Capri Sun. Then he always emerges refreshed, relaxed, and ready to eat, run, or move on to something else. It's therapeutic for him and visually impressive for the rest of us. He also gets asked a lot if he will be an engineer or architect to which he always replies, "No, I'm an artist."

**more pics from today on his autism artwork page

Greg, Dad