Aspiritech: Jobs for People with Autism

More than 9 percent of the U.S. population is unemployed, and finding work is challenging for adults with autism even in better economies.  Brenda Weitzberg knew her university educated son could work, but his autism amounted to a serious obstacle in the job market.  His unique talent for attention to detail proved perfect in identifying software anomalies.  And so, she founded Aspiritech, which tests for software problems, not only to address her son's needs but the needs of other people in his situation.

Aspiritech's "mission to provide a path for high functioning individuals on the Autism Spectrum helps these young adults realize their potential through gainful employment."

The nonprofit's vision is to expand to other geographic and business areas in addition to inspiring others to replicate our model. To those ends, we continue to seek sources of funding and additional billable work.

You can find out more about Aspiritech by visiting the website.

Helping Kids with Kent's Soda

Photo Courtesy: Caledonian Record

 What does a 9-year-old ask for when he believes he has everything?

"Dad, I have everything I need right now, but there are lots of other kids with autism that can't do the things they want or need. I want to be able to help them get some of the things they want with the money we earn. Can't we start now? I don't want to wait."  (Source)

Young Kent Melville started making money with a lemonade stand.  A combination of entrepreneurial spirit and desire to help other kids with autism sparked the idea of starting a soda company.  He used his profits from the lemonade stand to get his business started.  From the website:

Kent's Soda Company is devoted to the POSITIVE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT of children with autism.  We are committed to donating a portion of sales for the benefit of social clubs, camps, and other social development programs for children with autism and their families.

You can find out more by clicking here.