ay or Wednesday" (p.1). Savants may be mentally retarded but they have what Dr. Pratt says is "a very strong, specific talent" (cited in Riccio, 1999). Savants may also have the ability to focus solely on one specific task, or talent while tuning out their immediate surroundings. The part of their brain that their talent is derived from may be intensified, and used almost to full capacity. Gary Anthes, a reporter for Computer World states that "autistic individuals are excellent candidates for computer programming and graphics positions" (1997, p.1). Because autistics can often exhibit strong talents and ! are able to focus so well these types of jobs would be greatly beneficial to themselves and their employers. Because of their lack of social skills they are able to focus solely on their work, and the fact that autistic people need a clear cut plan or goal, like the plans and goals programming offers, helps them overcome the obstacles of life with autism. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 helped produce user-friendly work environments for those with physical impairments (Anthes 1997, p.2). This act has helped both the disabled and the employer realize the specific needs of each other and work together to suit the interests of both the employer and the disabled associate. In conclusion, autism is a very complex disorder and because of the different extents of the disorder it is very hard to find a cure. With the technology of today improving at a rapid rate autism is now better understood and treated than fifty years ago when autism was first "announced". People are starting to realize and understand that people with autism have something to offer, and just aren't mentally retarded. Although this disorder is not very pleasant its condition has improved over the time it was first introduced as a pervasive development disorder, and hopefully within the next fifty years a possible cause or cure will be developed for autism....
