For nearly two years, my son, Alex, has expressed a desire to find a job. He wanted to work, and despite my uncertainty about why he chose the local pasta restaurant in our town, he was determined.
Alex took the initiative to explore their website, familiarizing himself with the application process. He meticulously printed the application and sat at the kitchen table to fill it out, answering questions about his age, birthdate, and prior experience. When asked about U.S. citizenship, I confirmed he was one. To my delight, they hired him.
For over a year now, he’s been washing dishes every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, proudly donning a t-shirt with the restaurant’s name, Table 8 Pasta. While this may seem straightforward—a teenager wanting a job, applying, and showing up each week—it’s far more significant than it appears.
Alex is not an ordinary teenager; he is on the autism spectrum. He struggles with working memory, experiences debilitating anxiety, and has a tendency to fixate on specific topics. Social cues are often lost on him. Crowded environments, loud noises, and the ringing of phones make him uncomfortable. The concept of money barely registers, and he had no prior restaurant experience. Yet, he was determined to work and applied.
It took him several attempts, a couple of pencils, and a thorough explanation about U.S. citizenship to submit the correct application. We drove to the restaurant, where he nervously handed it over to a young woman behind the counter. As expected, he was anxious, worrying whether they would call him back or if he’d made an error on the forms. To his joy, they called and offered him the job.
The owner admitted they had limited experience working with individuals with autism but were eager to give it a shot. Alex took to washing dishes with dedication. Each Tuesday, he rises at 6:00 AM, puts on his t-shirt, and wears it to school. He often reminds me of his shift, ensuring I know he will miss dinner.
If I’m not ready to leave by 4:02, he gets restless, pacing and searching for my shoes. He yearns to work and to wear a shirt that connects him to other employees in such a simple, yet meaningful way.
This week unfolded like any other. On Monday night, he laid out his work shirt, and the next morning, he reminded me of his shift. At 4:02, he was already shifting about, eager for me to find my keys. I dropped him off, watching him stride confidently through the doors.
However, when I picked him up, he had thrilling news to share. “Mom! I got a promotion!” His face was beaming, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. “Now, I will make the PASTA.”
He is a teenager with autism. He has a job. And now, he makes pasta.
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Summary:
This heartwarming narrative illustrates the journey of a teenager with autism, Alex, who pursued his dream of working at a local pasta restaurant. Through determination and the support of his family, he overcame various challenges to secure a job washing dishes, ultimately earning a promotion to make pasta. His story highlights the importance of inclusivity and the joy of achieving personal milestones.