Autism Is Not a Limitation: Creating Opportunities, Building Independence
I see independence as having the support to work toward your goals - not doing everything alone. For employers, that means paid training, clear instructions, and asking employees what support they need.
At Industry Horror in Ventura, California, Leon Simmonds spent three years learning screen printing and set his sights on an electrical certification through a planned trade school. His experience shows one path, not a promise for every autistic adult.
Here’s what I take from his story:
Build on interests: Connect job tasks with each person’s skills and goals.
Make support part of the job: Use checklists, hands-on coaching, and sensory accommodations.
Track what the evidence shows: Employment and skill growth are documented; changes in income and productivity are not.
Support the work: Purchases and other contributions help the organization, not a specific employee’s pay.
My takeaway: <u>Paid work and support can go together.</u>
The Employee’s Strengths, Goals, and Barriers to Work
Skills and Goals Before Joining Industry Horror
Leon Simmonds enjoyed building computers before joining Industry Horror. Once there, he set two goals: improve his screen-printing skills and pursue a two-year electrical certification.
Barriers and Support Needs
To work toward those goals, Leon needs a workplace that responds to his sensory and communication needs. Other employees described past workplaces that rejected them or did not provide the support they needed.
Joel Felix described being rejected by hiring managers, while Jenni Cravens said past workplaces did not always accommodate sensory overload, tics, and stims.
Rather than defaulting to discipline, Industry Horror asks employees what they need during periods of intense focus or sensory overload.
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Training and Employment at Industry Horror
Industry Horror turns training into paid work. For eligible interns, The Arc of Ventura County’s paid internship program covers wages for the first year.
As of February 2026, the company employed 11 people, and co-founder Davina DeCant said new employees often need about a year to settle into the work.
Training on the shop floor takes each person’s sensory and communication needs into account.
Learning Job Tasks Through Practice
Trainees learn while working on customer orders. After orientation, they shadow experienced printers, watch the equipment, practice under supervision, and get immediate feedback. Tasks include preparing screens, printing shirts, setting heat press timers and pressure, checking garment quality, packing orders, printing shipping labels, and organizing inventory.
To check readiness, supervisors ask trainees to explain the next step, demonstrate a task, or spot an error that would stop an order. This step-by-step approach helps trainees learn the work.
Clear Instructions and Workplace Accommodations
The shop pairs demonstrations and feedback at each workstation with visual and written checklists, predictable routines, sensory-friendly adjustments, and duties matched to each person’s strengths. These supports help supervisors track skill growth through daily work.
Documented Progress in Skills, Income, and Responsibility
Training Milestones and Job Results
Leon Simmonds built screen-printing skills through three years of hands-on training at Industry Horror. He also set a goal of earning a two-year electrical certification through its planned trade school, linking paid work and skill development with his plans for the future.
The reporting documents continued employment and skill growth. It does not directly measure changes in responsibility, income, or productivity.
What Independence Means to the Employee
At Industry Horror, independence means taking part in the work - not working without support. That can include asking questions, seeking help early, and using support to stay involved.
For Leon, building job skills while pursuing further training ties daily work to longer-term goals. Internship funding from The Arc of Ventura County also supports that growth, showing how steady help can support learning and progress at work.
Conclusion: Lessons for Employers and Community Support
Leon’s experience shows how structured support, paid work, and respectful communication can help turn training into independence. For employers, the lesson is clear: build support into the job rather than waiting for problems to appear.
Workplace Practices Employers Can Use
Match duties to each person’s interests. Teach tasks with clear written or visual instructions, and ask about sensory and communication accommodations. A structured workflow helps employees see how their tasks fit into the larger process. Measure success through skill growth, retention, and the employee’s own goals.
How to Support the Mission
To support paid training and independence, visit the Ventura store, browse the online shop, sign up for Autism Rocks, or subscribe to the newsletter. You can also ask about event sponsorships, wholesale orders, and support for the planned trade school project.
Purchases support the organization as a whole, not any one employee’s pay.
FAQs
How can I apply for paid training at Industry Horror?
Contact Industry Horror through its website or contact form. Ask which roles are available and what onboarding steps you need to complete before starting paid training.
Be ready to talk about tasks you enjoy, any relevant experience, and the support you need to work well. Bring a resume if you have one, but also share your strengths and workplace needs.
Do I need work experience to qualify?
No - you don’t need prior work experience to qualify. Industry Horror provides job training and meaningful employment in a supportive setting where autistic young adults and adults can build skills and independence through hands-on training.
How can I get updates on the planned trade school?
The planned trade school is still in the early stages of development, with work focused on concept design and finding a campus location. For updates, contact Industry Horror through its official website or email, or follow its posts on Instagram and Facebook.
You can also visit 518 East Main Street in Ventura, California, to learn more about its mission and future plans.
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