At the Y, we are proud to employ individuals with diverse abilities, including autism. For Autism Acceptance Month this April – with the theme of “Celebrate Differences” – we caught up with Adam, an employee of our YMCA since 2020. Adam started here as a health screener during the COVID-19 pandemic and now works in our Facilities department. Here, he shares his experiences as an individual with high functioning autism.
Growing up with autism and also a learning disability, Adam says he faced challenges. Other kids weren’t always the most understanding of his diagnosis. “Some of my peers didn’t know individuals with autism,” he says. “Now, it’s so much more recognized these days.”
After graduating from high school, Adam attended the New York Institute of Technology’s former Vocational Independence Program (VIP), which taught individuals of different abilities job training and independent living skills. He focused on hospitality and worked in several hotels doing a variety of tasks, including laundry and working at the front desk. He also worked at his former middle school as a lunch server.
At the Y, Adam found a welcoming environment and “the nice friendly faces and kindness of the staff and members.” He adds, “I chat with the lifeguards, Child Care teachers, Wellness staff, almost everyone.” Adam also enjoys having a set schedule each week, and likes to keep busy. He helps out in various departments, including Wellness and Membership, taking on tasks as needed.
“I owe this place my life in a way,” Adam says. “It’s kept me employed the last 2.5 years and it’s a place of acceptance. We celebrate everyone here.”
Outside of the Y, Adam is a member of the Shining Stars Network, a nonprofit that specializes in shining a light on the special needs community through performing arts. He has also participated in the Special Olympics and takes part in the Unified Sports program at Kean University, which is affiliated with the Special Olympics. Plus, he’s a member of the Celebration Singers Community Choir, and enjoys hanging out with his friends, playing video games, watching TV and exercising.
Adam believes it’s important to educate others about living with autism and for people to understand each other’s differences. He notes that upon meeting him, many people are surprised to learn he has autism since he lives independently, drives, has a job, and does his own shopping. But autism is a spectrum, and everyone is different.
“I’m on the high end and it’s hard for most people to tell. I tell people I have it,” Adam says. “If you don’t talk about it, it’s not going to help anything.”
He’s also inspired by others with autism like Kodi Lee, an America’s Got Talent winner who is blind and has autism. “It gives people with autism the confidence to say, if he can do it, I can do it, too.”
Adam adds of celebrating autism awareness, “The more we talk about it, the more people will understand,” noting, “I like to think of myself as an enigma, a one of a kind. There’s no such thing as ‘normal’ in this world.”