Heart Warming Stories

Lately, there have been a batch of very negative stories in the news with the economy, banks, unemployment etc. So today, I decided that I would write about a couple ABC News stories that are both positive and enlightening.

The first story is about a Walgreen's Drug Store executive Randy Lewis, whose 19-year old son has autism, made it his mission to set up an Employment Opportunity for the disabled at the Walgreen's Anderson distribution center. Currently, more than 40 percent of the 700 workers there are disabled. The Anderson distribution center is actually more productive than other Walgreen distribution centers. In addition, the company should be eligible for various federal and state tax incentives. This is a win-win situation for both the company and the disabled employees! ABC News Story Lewis

The second story is about Heather Kuzmich made it to the final five competitors on "America's Next Top Model," despite suffering from Asperger's Syndrome. Most people are not aware of Asperger's, it is a type of autism. Asperger's makes understanding social interactions difficult. For someone like Heather, even the best of days can be a struggle. But Heather inspires all of us to excel! ABC News Story Kuzmich

Autism - Interesting Facts

Autism applies to a broad group of developmental disabilities called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Autism is a type of disability that is often associated with children. But, many adults are impacted by this disability.

• ASD begins before the age of 3.
• ASD continues thru a person's whole life.
• Thinking and learning abilities can vary from gifted to severely challenged.
• ASD effects every racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic group.
• ASD is more likely to occur in boys than girls.

ASD is usually defined by significant impairments in social interaction and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have difficulty paying attention have to be taught with creative instructional methods.