It's not shocking when children on the spectrum refuse to participate in something out of the ordinary. Well, Curt finally won a persevering ticket at school. Each month its a different trait that teachers give tickets out for when we catch a student exemplify the trait. He has been against this whole thing (even though he could have won 50 tickets by now) but I have been able to see a difference little by little in him and his curiosity for getting one and accepting one. I finally found a time where I knew giving him a ticket for persevering would not freak him out - while he was drawing roads! He got so excited but really wanted to keep it a secret so no one would make it a big deal. He used it as fuel to focus on activities the rest of the day and would say, "Things are so good because I got a persevering ticket" :)

Caron, 1:1 School Support

I was recently reminded of one of my favorite autism success stories involving a basketball team manager turned three point machine. Jason McElwain made national headlines in 2006 after his basketball debut during his senior year of high school."J-Mac", who has high-functioning autism, had a passion for basketball but hadn't even worn a uniform until the teams last game of his senior year. His coach intended to give him the experience of wearing a jersey and sitting on the bench with his friends and teammates before the season wrapped for the year. What happened next is still hard to believe. In J-Mac's word, he got "hotter than a pistol".

Greg, Dad

I found another cool article on autism, a success story, in the New York Times recently. There is an 11 minute video and a long article on an autistic adult whose simple goals include independent living, preferably in an apartment close to his parents, and earning his own money. He is an artist and aspiring cookie maker who is mid-level functioning on the autism scale. His parents say his artwork goes for $1,200 and up. I'd probably put down the cookies and just keep painting pictures in that case but Justin's goal of improving his social interactions is admirable. It's a key goal for most on the autism spectrum.
It's sobering to see in the piece that only about 10% of adults with autism are employed. I guess I knew it was somewhere around there. We aren't blind to the fact that many of Curtis' cute hang-ups would prove serious detriments in a work place. Then again he's only turning eight. There is a lot of time for development as long as there are people willing to put in the time and programs that support adult transitions and our plan is to stay on top of things. 
I think Curtis will have many of the same goals as Justin and I hope that he does. He's already mentioned independent living, marriage, etc. When Justin's mom leaves and he repeats "I'm brave of being alone", that's something I could see Curtis doing. Justin belts out pop tunes like Curtis and he seems fun to be around, much like Curtis. The dry observations are always funny.
My high hopes for Curtis are self-employment as an artist or expert on a subject he will develop an unhealthy obsession over. Reasons being I believe he can do it and because who wouldn't like a job like that, autism or no autism? Lucrative self employment with your own schedule and no bosses? Maybe I will be living vicariously through him some day. Those are the high hopes so far  living with autism.

Greg, Dad

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