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Shelley Osterloh ReportingWhen a child is diagnosed with autism, one of the first questions a parent asks is what will happen to him when he grows to be a adult?
Some of the earliest studies on children with autism were done right here in Utah in the mid 1980's. Now researchers are trying to find those children who have become adults.
One of the adults from that early study is Curtis Willie.
Curtis doesn't display all the symptoms of autism, such as repetitive behaviors, flapping hands or saying the same phrase over and over again. But he does struggle with relating to and communicating with others.
He agreed to share his story with us, because he believes it may provide hope to others.
Curtis Willie: "Thank you for calling Direct TV. This is Curtis. How can I help you today?"
Curtis Willie, 47, handles customer phone calls about satellite TV service. His boss says he is a good employee who never misses work, and has the ability to visualize whatever technical problem the customer has.
Sonja Rowell/ Convergys Dir. of Operations: "He's very good with customers. He's very detail oriented."
Curtis is very intelligent and has learned to cope with his autism.
Curtis Willie: "In some areas I'm a very slow learner and it's taken tremendous effort. I've worked at things over and over again until I finally pick up on it."
Like many with autism he tends to be a loner, uncomfortable in crowds and social situations.
Curtis Willie: "One of the challenges I face is the common courtesy of making eye contact."
His wife of five years works with him.
Michelle Best-Willie, Curtis' Wife: "Probably I admire his intellect most because he is a genius."
She understands that Curtis likes things the same, so she keeps order in their lives. But she admits communication can be a challenge.
Michelle Best-Willie, Curtis' Wife: "I'm a very vocal, a very mouthy person, and when he can't talk to me it's frustrating between the two of us."
Michelle Best-Willie: "We work it out. It takes patience."
Dr. Bill McMahon of the Brain Institute says Curtis is among about 25% of adults with autism who live and work independently.
William M. McMahon, MD/ The Brain Institute at the University of Utah: "Then there is a larger group, say in the range of 40 percent, who may not be able to work in the private sector, but could work in sheltered workshops."
Others with a lower IQ, other physical or intellectual disabilities, may require full time care or an institution.
For people like Curtis, understanding the condition is the key to a happy life.
Curtis Willie: "It helps to know what you've got. (edit) You are always aware of your disability and there's always a little bit of that, but overall reasonably happy."
If you were part of the 1980's UCLA/ University of Utah study, researchers would like to hear from you. Follow the links above.
That research should provide some interesting clues as to what makes some people with autism more successful than others.
By the way, Curtis did not get any early intervention training like the children get today. Forty-five years ago, people didn't recognize autism.
He has had some special education over the years, but nothing like the intense training kids go through today. He says he's just learned to accept himself and work with his strengths and accept his weaknesses.
