Larry's Success Story Follow-Up

Where is Larry Now?

Published in 2020

Larry looked at the restaurant bill and considered whether treating his friend to lunch would fit into his weekly budget. With a broad smile he announced, "I've got this!" Few people get a bigger thrill out of picking up the check than Larry. He says it feels good to be able to do it now that he is no longer relying on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

It has been 6 years since Larry shared his original Ticket to Work success story. Now in his thirties, he is confident and self-possessed. As he and his family reflect on the past, they express gratitude for the growth he has experienced.

In 2011, with help from Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program, Larry landed a job with a federal contractor. His employment has since contributed to more than the restaurant bill. It has been a source of comfort, achievement, stability, connection, and a more engaged life in the community.

"Larry has more self-esteem now," observes his mother Carmencita. "He is more social, and we have noticed improvement in his communication since [he began working]."

Larry belongs to a group of people born with a disability that has been misunderstood for decades. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) describe neurological conditions that interfere with a person's senses, social interaction, communication, and mental health. ASD has a broad range of attributes and symptoms. It is a "spectrum" disorder because with such variety in its characteristics, it looks different in each person. Some people on the spectrum have remarkable gifts, while others have complex support needs. Many have a combination of both.

ASD has given Larry exceptional visual and long-term memory. It also created barriers to relationships, communication and independence. He says work has helped him get out in the community and connect with other people. Larry also learned to use strategies for managing anxiety and becoming more flexible in a professional setting.

Performing the technical duties of his job wasn't difficult. The most important growth Carmencita describes has been in "soft skills." Soft skills are personal attributes that help someone interact well with other people. An employee with strong soft skills fits into a work environment, behaves professionally, communicates effectively, and cooperates with coworkers. People who don't have autism take soft skills for granted. But without them, it is impossible to succeed in a job that involves working with others.

2020 marks Larry's 9^th year on a job where he is part of a team that sets up conference rooms to support officials from the Department of Defense come together to advance US national security. Larry plans logistics with the attention to detail that is worthy of the 4-star generals who attend.

"Larry… is efficient, creative and… has an outstanding work ethic," says his team supervisor.

Now a veteran at his workplace, Larry feels at home. He says he's a creature of habit and the job is a perfect fit. Larry's family says work has helped him improve problem-solving skills and he is more willing to take risks. Team members appreciate the unique color and enthusiasm he adds to the work environment. Larry's exceptional memory for people's names, birthdays and family has helped him connect with coworkers and form good relationships.

"I really like working with other people on the set-up crew," he says. "It feels good to achieve something together every day."

Larry's novel neurology has brought his workplace novel solutions. He figured out logistics that increase efficiency, and his employer's confidence in him reinforced his confidence in himself. The resulting growth in Larry's self-determination and earnings has enhanced his community participation and his choices. It is the kind of win-win arrangement that the Ticket program is all about.

"We are grateful to Service Source [Larry's Employment Network] and the Ticket program for believing in Larry," says Carmencita. "He is more comfortable navigating the community, he gets out more, and he is more comfortable in his skin."