Johnny's First Interview

Friday, April 30, 2010
Johnny's First Job Interview!
My autistic son had his first "job interview." He also received his first rejection letter: "Unfortunately, you did not qualify for the position we are offering..." But that is all right.

Johhny turned 17 last December. He is autistic. He can take care of his basic needs, but his comprehension is low. He understands things, but he cannot express himself in a comprehensive fashion. He can express his needs and wants, and he is happy in his own world. A young man with very few needs and and satisfied with the minimum. Johny teaches me valuable lessons about simplicity and contentment every day and I am so blessed to have him in my life.

People have asked me how we deal with life, taking care of an autistic child on a daily basis. Yes, it does restrict our lives a little, as Johnny has to be supervised at all times and he is with us every day. Jonny cannot go for a sleepover with his friends. He cannot go anywhere alone. But the joy he brings to our lives through his innocent ways is more rewarding than most other benefits we may have had if he were to be normal like Tommy,our younger son.

Few weeks ago, Johnny went for his first summer job interview. We dressed him up including a neck tie and drove him to the place of interview. When the door opened for him to enter the interview room, Johnny stopped and asked his "mommy" to go with him. Parents were not allowed as the interviewers wanted to find out how Johnny could function on his own. I watched him sit in front of the interviewers, but could not hear what he said.

Judy cried when Johnny went into the room. "My child is growing up" she said amid tears. She thought it had come too soon, too fast. When we asked him how the interview went, all Johnny said was: "Seven dollars." He just repeated that when we asked anything about the interview. Apparently that was the hourly wage and they must have talked about it.

We finished the interview and went home and Johnny went back to his computer games. He could not care less if he gets the job or not. When I told him that he did not get hired, he had no reaction except to repeat" "not hired."

We will try again next year, but there is no guarantee. We don't know what his futre will be, but I know who holds the future and that is enough comfort for now.
Posted by Paul Veliyathil at 6:31 AM 0 comments
Labels: autism, johnny