The family owns a freight forwarding business and employed J to work as a data entry encoder. The years spent in special school and therapy center has prepared J to this new phase in his life. It may not be easy at the beginning, but with patience and guidance, J dealt with his new- found place in the society's work force reasonably well.
J has been working as a data entry encoder for a few years now. As an employee, he pays his taxes, therefore, contributing to the nation's progress. He is also a Social Security System (SSS) member which assures him of a pension on his retirement.
As for J, he did not only find his rightful place in the society. More importantly, he broke the impression that persons with autism will always be dependent to others for existence.
We often gauge a person's success according to his intellect and other abilities. Persons that are intellectual and educated are more likely to succeed and given high regard by society.
Persons with autism may have varying levels of intellect. Some maybe exceptionally intelligent while others may only have limited learning abilities. Regardless of their abilities, the increasing number of persons being affected by the disorder is more relevant. Most recognized cases of autism are children. However, they will not remain as children forever. The parents who look after them grow old and will not perpetually be by their side. What awaits in the future for these persons should not only be their families' concern. Individuals affected with autism and their families need much help from the society and the government. This should not be taken to mean dependence or being "burdens". A lot of high functional adults with autism can perform task in line with his interest exceptionally well. There are adults with autism who are capable to do maintenance jobs, work in farms, and sorting tasks in factories. They can also be employed as baggers, clerks and data entry encoders. Still some adults with autism finish college and work in companies. Most of them prove themselves as diligent workers. However, not all companies are considerate enough to hire persons with autism or even differently abled persons. Lucky are those born to families who own a business or a company. But what about those who are not. This is where the need for a system that will give persons under the spectrum opportunities to become self-sustaining individuals to the best of their potentials comes in. A society that will accept them as participating members of the working community would do so much in building their confidence and sense of belonging.
The autism community is hopeful that they can find their rightful place in the society. It's just a matter of concern for others and giving chances.
Photo Credit:
Finger on Keyboard by Stuart Miles
People Network by Vlado
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