This is great news for high functioning people on the spectrum. I'm always a little leary of these kinds of stories. I don't know the numbers, and this is way outside my realm - but in my experience, for every Lars, there are a hundred or so people on the spectrum that are locked away. I don't mean to sound pessimistic - this article showcases some one who turned stereotypes on their head and made something positive happen. But my autistic niece wouldn't make the cut. The autistic kids I've worked with in schools and at church... maybe one or two could function in some way here. I guess I have mixed emotions. This is fantastic for high functioning people with autism. I would hope it doesn't breed false hope for parents with kids on a different part of the spectrum.
I always worry about people assuming that all autistic people can function like this. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The people being referenced in this article are pretty high functioning. Even Dustin Hoffmans fictional depiction in the movie "Rain Man" was a relatively high functioning case of autism. This is a great thing for these types of people but there are many out there with severe cases that could never function in a job like this.
Great read and a great idea for a business. The metaphor of a weed/herb seems appropriate to me. Some people are able to see the silver lining. It may come across as opportunism to some but to me it seems like a win-win. I wonder if there are other neural disorders that have virtues we've not yet recognized?