IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Winter 2015 • Volume 2, Issue 1
Individuals with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome Make Loyal Employees They are conscientious and honest, bright and quick to learn the job demands, and skilled at focusing on details that others find tedious. They don’t waste time with a lot of needless socializing and gossip. Seem like the dream employee? Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome can be excellent employees, yet the jobless rate among adults with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome is 75-85%; that doesn’t include the number who are underemployed in part-time, low-wage positions for those with aboveaverage intelligence. Entering the job market is never easy, but for a young adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, it can be much more intimidating – and far less successful. People with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism can experience anxiety, overactive sensory systems, and difficulty with social relationships and changing routines. With the right supports and people who understand their needs, however, they can truly shine because they have their own strengths as well. Lost productivity experienced with employees who do not have an autism disorder is a major concern and cost to employers. According to a www.salary.com survey, workers admitted to spending 2.09 hours of each (8-hour) day “surfing the Internet, socializing with co-workers, conducting personal business, spacing out, running errands off-premises, making personal phone calls, applying for other jobs, and planning personal events.”* And that doesn’t include lunch hours and breaks! Further, “SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, estimated that it costs $3,500 to replace one $8.00 per hour employee; for salaried employees, the costs jump significantly. Honesty and loyalty are trademarks of the employee with Asperger’s Syndrome, and individuals with Asperger’s are known to be wary of change. Provide them with a stable, predictable work environment and they will be long-term employees.”** If you are an employer and have been looking for workers who will be loyal, hard-working, and honest, maybe you’ve been looking in the wrong place! Contact IGNITE Director Stacy Hultgren at shultgren@autismsociety-nc.org if you would like to learn more about individuals with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. * ** Is it Time for Asperger’s in the Workplace? Grace Austin; Sept/Oct 2014 http://www.diversityjournal.com/9929-is-it-time-for-aspergers-in-the-workplace/
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community. For more information: Stacy Hultgren, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 shultgren@autismsociety-nc.org www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036
Looking for a Job When You Have Asperger’s Syndrome By Ray J. Evernham
I am in the process of searching for a job that can accommodate my needs, but I am very nervous to get one. I currently work at my dad’s shop, where I clean most of the building while listening to music with my earbuds in. For the most part, I feel safe there because my dad is my boss and understands what I need to help me get through my workday. I think that one of the reasons I like to put my earbuds in when I work is because of my social anxiety, and I don’t want anyone to bother me while I am trying to work. If someone tries to talk to me while I am focused on a job task, I tend to get flustered and overwhelmed. One thing in particular I look for while job searching is a comfortable environment that would suit me. For example, I get hot very easily, so I am looking for job that is climate-controlled. When I’m hot and sweaty, I start to feel uncomfortable, and then I tend to get stressed out and frustrated. There are many things that individuals with Asperger’s may look for while job hunting. Some examples may include how bright or dim the lighting is, or if the environment is too loud and noisy. My ideal job environment would be a place that is air-conditioned with not a lot of people, and where I wouldn’t have to interact a lot with customers and where they would let me work with my earbuds in.
Unfortunately, some of these specific needs are unrealistic in a place of work. I have had a couple of jobs at small businesses that were very accommodating. My social anxiety also plays a big factor in me being afraid to get a job in normal society, since most jobs require you to work with other co-workers or team members. If a supervisor or manager gave me a list of duties to work on throughout the day, and then I reported to them or if they checked on me every so often, that would be perfect. I am also afraid co-workers or customers will think mean things of me. I think it is important for companies and businesses to know that those with Asperger’s Syndrome or social anxiety are perfectly capable of getting a job done but may just need special accommodations. Individuals with Asperger’s each have their own special skills and talents, and if they have the right accommodations and feel comfortable, I think they can put those skills to excellent use. I feel that my own personal skills are office cleaning and packing and shipping things. I am very conscientious while working, and I always try my best to get the job done. I am looking forward to finding a job where I can put my talents to good use. Ray J. Evernham is an IGNITE member and son of renowned NASCAR Crew Chief Ray Evernham. These are his words about how difficult job searching can be for individuals with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.
AmeriCarna LIVE Wowed Davidson Again, and Raised over $100,000 for IGNITE! On Saturday, Nov. 29, Ray Evernham played host to the 2nd annual AmeriCarna LIVE car show on the Ingersoll Rand campus in Davidson. Sponsors included MSC Industrial Supply Company, Ingersoll Rand, Fifth Third Bank, and many of NASCAR’s finest! The inaugural event in 2013 raised $46,000 for the IGNITE community center. IGNITE, a program run by the Autism Society of North Carolina, was founded with support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation, and their continued support has been inspiring. This year’s event raised more than $100,000 and included a silent auction, music, food, and more than 300 collector cars, along with a private auction the evening before. Auction items included a guitar made for Brad Paisley, racing and pinstriping art, a paddle board from My Aloha, and more. IGNITE and the Autism Society of North Carolina would like to extend a very special thank you to Det Cullum for his tireless work on making the AmeriCarna LIVE events such a success. Thanks to all who took part in the planning and execution, and to all the wonderful volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without you! PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Winter 2015
IGNITE would like to thank the following businesses and organizations: Bailey Middle School Best Buy Blue j Beads Davidson College
IGNITE Celebrates a Second Year of Success On December 9, 2014, during IGNITE’s annual open house, Program Director Stacy Hultgren shared these successes: • IGNITE has grown from a handful of members to 43 and will be adding 10 more in February from the waiting list of 34 applicants. • IGNITE focuses on social, employment, wellness, community, vocational, and educational goals; and is making a difference. • Nine members are currently in college, including three who recently made the decision to return to school. • In the health group, members are now cooking healthy food for their families, and one member lost 30 pounds in our weight watch group! • In our pre-vocational skills group, members have learned how to apply for jobs, developed resumes, and practiced interviewing. Eleven members have joined the workforce during their time as IGNITE members! • In the independent living learning group, three members celebrated receiving driver’s licenses and two obtained driving permits. Three members have moved out of family homes into their own living spaces, and more are working toward that goal of independence. • Confidence is the foundation for employment and independence, and 100% of IGNITE’s members reported feeling positive about their futures. • Socially, the members reported that since IGNITE, they have gone from 0-2 friends to 16 friends. • Members now take the initiative in participating in their communities. We are so proud of each and every member’s growth during their time with IGNITE, and look forward to even more in the coming year. IGNITE is making a difference.
FUEL Sports Management Furniture Row Ingersoll Rand Kilpatrick Townsend, Attorney at Law Leon Levine Foundation Levelor Window Fashions Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Medenhall Family Foundation MSC Industrial Direct Co, Inc. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Our Town Cinemas RUSK Eating House at Davidson College Sherwin Williams Summit Coffee Toast Catering TrueCraft Builders Carlisle Companies Carolina Custom Installations Dale Earnhardt Jr. Foundation
And, of course, we thank the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation, without whom IGNITE would not be possible!
IGNITE NEWS • Winter 2015 – PG 3