Positively Autism ~ Asperger's Syndrome and Employment ~ October, 2007

Asperger's Syndrome and Employment
Volume 2, Issue 9 ~ October, 2007

Positive Autism News

20-Year-Old with Autism Competes in World Memory Championships
Karan Beri earned a place to compete in the World Memory Championships with his talent for remembering dates and numbers. He can immediately tell the day of the week for any date in the past or future. His mother reports that he can also remember any telephone number. She says, "He is an asset to have around to remember birthdays and anniversaries. We do not need diaries or computers." She considers her son to have a gift that has "amazed his peers and teachers." Click Here to Read Complete Story

Young Adult with Autism Becomes Spokesman for United Way and Illinois Center for Autism
A 27-year-old from East St. Louis, Tyrin Rencher, who has been the recipient of services from the United Way, is giving back to the organization by appearing in posters, pamphlets and television commercials. He has also been selected as a spokesperson for the Illinois Center for Autism. Rencher currently works as a server at a restaurant operated by the Illinois Center for Autism. He is also a college student, and is working to complete a degree in business administration. With his degree, he hopes to someday open a restaurant. Rencher exemplifies the slogan in the kitchen at the restaurant in which he works: "Autism is a trait, not a debilitation." Click Here to Read Complete Story

11-Year-Old with Autism Elected Class President
With a campaign goal: "I want our school to recycle and use the money for a pizza party," sixth-grader Donnie Hunyh was elected the president of his class. With support from his parents and teachers, Donnie ran a successful campaign that included giving a memorized speech to 300 students. One of Donnie's classmates reported that she "voted for him because he's full of spirit, and he's smart - really smart. He was easily the best candidate." Click Here to Read Complete Story