Just like with Specialisterne (‘the Specialists’ in Danish), the nonPareil Institute follows the line of thinking that many people with autism can best use their skills in an environment designed around their needs. So the founders of nonPareil created a model in which work is brought to individuals who work in an environment suited to their needs rather than forcing them to adapt to environments more suited for those without autism.
(source: nonPareil.Institute - Practical Autism Solutions)
Co-founders Dan Selec and Gary Moore, both parents of autistic teens, established nonPareil (means having no equal) to train and employ adults by leveraging the technical abilities often associated with autism. Both men spent their careers in information technology.
The institute was founded in September 2008 with an idea: train adult students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders for work in higher-paying fields such as video gaming and computer graphics. The first model of nonPareil was developed in Selec’s home (in Plano, Texas).
Selec and Moore realized their sons had a natural talent for and enjoyed technology; things like video games, computers and animation. They designed nonPareil to teach young adults with autism those skills.
“I wanted to make sure my son had a future and it wasn’t sitting home playing video games in his bedroom all day by himself,” said nonPareil Institute President Gary Moore. “Any parent of a child with a disability wonders, what happens after I’m gone?” said nonPareil CEO Dan Selec, 47, whose son Caleb is 13.
The men hold no illusions that their children and students can function effectively in a standard work environment, given that autism can cause significant problems in socialization. At the same time, many high-functioning people with autism, gravitate toward technology, which opens up high-demand career potential. “It’s not that they have an inability to work,” Selec said. “Most of their issues really revolve around environment and socialization.”
“We had realized once they leave high school, there are very few options for them anywhere,” said Moore, whose son Andrew is 15. “Most of them are not able to successfully attend and complete college, and many of them are unable to find and keep jobs. The unemployment rate for those on the autism spectrum is well above 90 percent.”
It was that realization that inspired the men to create a program specifically tailored to each individual’s skill. “They’re so talented; they just need to be given a chance.” said Moore.
(sources: Network of Care - Seniors & People with Disabilities - Alameda; nonPareil Institute: Video Gaming Academy for Autistic Adults in Plano - KDAF;
Plano Star Courier;
Students with autism, Asperger’s develop iPad app | Mom2MomDFW.com;
Plano institute trains adults with autism to work in technology industry)