Finding a job can be a stressful time for anyone. Especially if it is your first job. For Peter, the challenge was even greater because he lives with a condition that makes social interaction a challenge.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, speech, repetitive behaviors and communication. A person with ASD may have impaired ability to communicate with others in social situations. For jobs that require interaction with a team of employees and customers, being on the spectrum can sometimes push someone like Peter out of his comfort zone. But, as the employees at the Mr. Ace store have discovered, having Peter on the team makes a positive and lasting benefit for everyone.

According to the Centers for Disease control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the US today. Each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges which may determine how independent they can be, or how much support they may need in their daily lives. Peter’s family felt he was ready for the responsibility of a job and that the interaction could help him get more comfortable in social situations and find independence in life.

Mike, the store owner at Mr. Ace, gave Peter a couple projects to evaluate his skills before he joined the team. He was very impressed with his ability to "face" and organize products on display for sale. Once he was hired, Peter unlocked many hidden skills including exceptional talent for window screen repair.

"Peter is a perfectionist," Ace employee Vrunda said. "He takes time to learn something very patiently, and by the time he has learned it fully, he knows it by heart."

Besides being dedicated to his job, Peter has endeared himself to the team at Mr. Ace in the last year as an employee. In addition to building his confidence and helping his communication skills, Peter has become a cherished member of a team who can’t imagine working there without him.

"He built up his self-confidence working here", Mike reported. "This job has helped him know he can do more in his life."