People with Autism find meaningful work at a thriving business

NEW YORK (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - About 1-in-36 children in the U.S. is now identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and for many parents is a major concern is what their future looks like in adulthood, but people with ASD are finding meaningful work at a thriving business in New York.

At a busy T-shirt factory on New York's Long Island, the whirling screen printer is run by Spencer Pusey, and Social Media Specialist Kelli Fisher capture the moment as Jason, one of the employees, is sorting shirts.

They are all employees at Spectrum Designs and they are all on the Autism Spectrum.

"Just cuz we're autistic doesn't mean we're not capable," Fisher expressed.

At the nonprofit business, 65% of employees have ASD, and it was co-founded by Patrick Bardsley, who worked at a special needs summer camp and realized the kids he met would need jobs as adults.

"Yes, this is a T-shirt company. Yes. We make products and everything else, but it's so much more than that," Bardsley explained.

The unemployment rate for people with ASD has been estimated at 40% or higher.

Fisher struggled to find a job, even with a bachelor's degree: "I was job interviewing. And within the first five minutes, the employer told me I can't hire you cuz you don't make eye contact. And that really upset me because I knew everything about the company, and I would have been a great employee."

At Spectrum, employees get competitive pay and benefits and the workplace is inclusive by design. There is also a quiet space for breaks without stimulation, clear signage and a video-based training system.

"Ever since we've made these visual changes, we've seen a 30% uptick in our efficiency, in the company. And again, this is something that every business can do," Bardsley shared.

Pusey used to bag groceries at a supermarket, and now, he leads a team as a Decoration Specialist while Fisher has grown the company's Instagram account by a 100,000 followers.

"I'm happy to be autistic. I'm proud to be autistic. And if someone can't accept that then it's their loss, not mine," Fisher further expressed.

Finding success and fulfillment in a workplace that welcomes all.

Spectrum Designs has two locations in New York and hopes to grow to other locations across the country. J.Crew is one of their clients.