Autistic people might behave differently from others. They often have trouble talking and interacting, struggle to understand what others think or feel, and feel overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises.
New situations and social events can make them anxious or upset, and they might take longer to understand information. Additionally, they may repeat actions or thoughts frequently.
John D’Eri saw how hard it was for Andrew, his son with autism, to find a job after finishing school.
He worried about Andrew’s future when he wouldn’t be around to help.
So, when Andrew turned 21, John got an idea.
In 2011, John and his son Tom bought a failing car wash, and the Rising Tide Car Wash was born.
They also started Rising Tide U, an organization specifically focused on promoting autistic people in the workforce.
Shocked that the unemployment rate for people with autism is up to 90%, they wanted to understand why and make a change.
They discovered many capable autistic people who don’t get a chance to succeed because society sees their condition as a disability rather than a strength, according to their website.
“Typically, people with autism are really good at structured tasks, following processes, and attention to detail,” said John. “So we saw that they’re really important skills that people with autism have that make them, in some cases, the best employees you can have.”
He also said that autistic people are considered “extreme users” in organizational design, with needs similar to everyone else but more noticeable.
Adapting their organization to meet the needs of those on the spectrum has led them to exceptional service and quality.
Starting with a small team, they now have two locations in Parkland, Florida, with about 82 employees who have autism, making up 90% of their workforce.
They also prioritize promoting from within and use fair hiring practices like job auditions and structured interviews.
Moreover, their comprehensive training program covers all aspects of car washing.
They faced challenges and transformed a failing carwash into a beloved service organization with happy customers and satisfied employees.
Their retention rate surpasses competitors.
Starting with 35,000 cars washed yearly in 2012, now, Rising Tide washes over 150,000, marking considerable growth.
Their second location, self-built, broke even within two months and appears poised for even greater success than the first.
What to know about autistic people?
Having autism doesn’t mean you’re sick. It just means your brain works differently from others, said NHS.
You’re born with it, and signs might appear early or later in life. Autism is lifelong; it doesn’t go away.
While there’s no cure or medical treatment for autism, some people may need extra help with certain things.
Autistic people can live fulfilling lives despite facing challenges.
They have strengths and can engage in social relationships and work, though some may need extra support.
Autism varies among individuals, with some needing minimal assistance and others requiring daily care.
The causes of autism are unknown. It can be hereditary, passing from parents to children.
Contrary to misconceptions, autism is not linked to parenting, vaccines, diet, or infections transmitted to others.
Autism affects each person differently, according to WebMD.
Some may face challenges in socializing, learning, or communication, need help with daily tasks, and possibly be unable to live alone, termed “low-functioning autism.”
Others may experience milder symptoms, excelling in school and having fewer communication difficulties, termed “high-functioning autism.”
However, using labels like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” can be insensitive, so it’s better to describe how autism affects someone as “more significant” or “less significant.”
Meanwhile, the number of children diagnosed with autism is increasing, but this rise may be due to changes in diagnosis methods rather than an actual increase in the disorder’s prevalence.
Watch Tom D’Eri tells how Rising Tide empowers autistic people by giving them purpose in life:
You can also follow them on Instagram and learn more about their mission.
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Wow, this a wonderful thing to do. My youngest son is Autistic (Aspergers). I truly wish there were a business like this in my area in North Carolina. My son, and others like him, could definitely use a job opportunity like this, which could be very challenging in a regular business, where he may find difficulties in being expected to be and act like neurotypical humans. He is such a great, awesome young man, but I also worry what will happen to him, and my eldest son (who has ADHD) when I’m no longer around. 😔
Sometimes a person has mercury posionong or toxicity and is being diagnosed with autism. Bipolar or other mental health disorders. I believe practitioners need to order blood work on someone before making a clinical diagnosis.