By: Erica L. Taylor
Watching your child step into adulthood is emotional for any parent. But when your child has autism, every milestone can feel heavier—because you know the world doesn’t always meet them with understanding.
My son is 19. He’s capable, determined, and ready to work.
Like so many young adults, he wanted independence, responsibility, and the
pride that comes with earning his own paycheck. So he started applying for
jobs.
And that’s where reality hit.
Application after application seemed to go nowhere. Some
never responded at all. Others looked at his lack of experience and stopped
there—never considering why that experience was missing in the first place. How
is someone supposed to gain experience if no one is willing to give them a
first opportunity?
But one experience stood out in a way that was hard to
ignore.
Instead of seeing his potential, they dissected his
disability. They questioned how his autism might interfere—how he would handle
customers, pressure, stress. It felt like they had already decided who he was
before he even had the chance to show them. They weren’t interviewing my
son—they were evaluating a list of assumptions.
As a mother, that moment sits with you. You wonder how many
doors will close before one finally opens.
But then, something different happened.
He got an interview with QuickChek.
And this time, we prepared—really prepared.
He worked on his resume until it reflected not just what
he’s done, but who he is. He practiced interviewing over and over, building
confidence with each answer. He researched the store, learned about the
company, and even prepared thoughtful questions to ask them. With his support
team cheering him on behind the scenes, he walked into that interview ready
with his career coach.
And he nailed it.
Not only that—he impressed them so much that he met with the
general manager the same day.
He didn’t try to be someone he’s not. He showed up as
himself—eager, sincere, and ready to learn.
The very next day, he got the call.
He was offered the job.
They didn’t see limitations. They saw effort. They saw heart. They saw a young man who wanted a chance—and was willing to work for it.
As a parent who started to believe companies would
continue to overlook my son because of his disability, this moment meant
everything.
Because this time, someone saw the person before the
diagnosis.
They saw his willingness to learn.
They saw his drive to succeed.
They saw his potential.
And they said yes.
That “yes” is more powerful than most people realize. It’s
not just a job—it’s confidence. It’s dignity. It’s the beginning of
independence. It’s proof that when given the opportunity, our kids can rise.
Companies like QuickChek are setting an example—whether they
realize it or not. Inclusion doesn’t require lowering standards. It requires
opening minds. It means recognizing that talent doesn’t always look the same,
sound the same, or learn the same—but it is there.
My heart is full knowing that someone took the time to see
my son for who he truly is.
Not a diagnosis.
Not a risk.
Not a question mark.
A young man with something to offer.
And all he needed… was a chance.
To read about our journey - click to order👉My Little Birdie to a Diagnosis
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