February 19th, 2011 4:31 am CT
Valuable marketable and specialized training for talented adults on the autism spectrum is available. Co-founders of the nonPareil Institute, Dan Selec and Gary Moore, discovered that current limited and under funded programs fell short in the effort to bring quality of life to the ASD adult. Both men have sons on the spectrum and not wanting their own children to settle for sub-standard existences on welfare or be forced into low paying, unfulfilling positions, they knew they wanted to make a difference. www.npitx.org
Recognizing that ASD people of all ages gravitate toward technology and seem to possess unique and superior technical abilities, and since both men had experience in the industry, they decided to put it to use. Using 3D tools to create, edit and customize content used in PC based games and on the iPhone and iPad, they realized they could empower ASD adults to a field of employment that is in high demand, spurring them on to meaningful lives. Initially they tested a workable model in Dan Selec’s home.
As the institute grew, more space was needed and the founders accepted an invitation to move their model to SMU’s Plano campus. The training, designed to provide technical and job skills, is designed specifically for the individual with ASD. The monthly cost is $500 per student, a necessary concession for the institute to grow. They are currently looking for a 10,000 square foot facility to expand the operation to include approximately 200 people. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqth4u-dJ5k&feature=player_embedded
Read in Full: http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-garland/autism-and-asperger-s-hope-for-employment-part-2-2