Houston Chronicle editorial urging hiring of autistics

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Aaron Glick is a maestro in assembling pizza boxes just so. This young man on the autism spectrum performs this task — which most employees dislike — “faster and better than anyone,” Mark Foley, manager at MOD Pizza’s West Galleria location, told the Chronicle’s Suzanne Garofalo.

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may not be able to maintain eye contact or make small talk, but they often bring unique skills to the workforce. October, which was the 30th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, should be a reminder to managers in retail, restaurant and other service businesses not to overlook this pool of talented employee.

Employing adults on the autism spectrum is a win for employers who need workers who are less likely to become bored by repetitive tasks and are above-average in reliability, loyalty and focus.

It’s a win for the adults with autism who deserve and want the dignity of work. It’s a win for parents who crave true independence for their children. It’s a win for taxpayers, who don’t have to fund government assistance for individuals capable of supporting themselves.

It makes no sense that more than half of adults on the spectrum are unemployed and not enrolled in higher education in the two years after high school. This is a lower rate than that of young adults with a learning disability, intellectual disability or speech-language impairment.

Although some young adults on the spectrum are unable to work, others only need a modicum of training to be successful