High school grad who has autism prepares to take the next step

CHARLOTTE — A young man who lives with autism is ready to enter the workforce, thanks to a local program.

At his graduation from Project Search on Friday, Tim Clardy wasn’t dressed in a cap and gown, but was wearing clothes he’d be ready to work in.

When Clardy graduated from Independence High School last year, his father says he had zero interest in getting a job and didn’t possess the skills needed to even apply for one.

“Project Search is giving them the opportunity to be who they are,” said his father, Rip Clardy. “They want to be part of society just like we do. They want to have a job just like we do.”

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Gina Esposito explains the challenges he’s faced, and his goal for the future.

(WATCH BELOW: ‘Awesomely unique’: 11-year-old writes book on his younger brother’s journey with autism)

‘Awesomely unique’: 11-year-old writes book on his younger brother’s journey with autism

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