Calling Chattanooga

I have an older brother named Andrew who lives in the fine city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Andrew needs help with something and I’m hoping that someone here—perhaps someone who lives in Chattanooga or who knows people who do, may be able to offer assistance.

Now I would not generally create a post such as this one, but the fact is that my brother has some special needs. He was diagnosed just a few years ago with Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s is one of several autism spectrum disorders and is characterized primarily by difficulties in social interaction (though motor clumsiness seems also to be a defining characteristic). It is distinguished from the other similar autism spectrum disorders in that it is not often marked by delays in language or cognitive development. People with Asperger’s are not much like the more seriously autistic people you may have seen might rock back and forth and who are often entirely unable to communicate. Most of the time they act and appear perfectly normal.

When Asperger’s is diagnosed early in life there are many programs available. We’ve seen evidence of this in the lives of the three boys who live next to us, all of whom have this syndrome. Since my brother was diagnosed later in life (in his early thirties) these programs are not available to him. Thus he’s looking for a job but has had to do so largely on his own, without the benefit of the counseling and support that would otherwise be available to him. Needless to say, it has been a tough proposition for him.

Because of the difficulties in social interaction he is really unable to present himself confidently in a job interview situation. To this point he has gained several interviews but, for various reasons unrelated to his skills, has been unable to secure employment. He is looking for something in the field of data entry or clerical work and should be well suited to this. I could see him doing well with filing or data entry and working in a church or office situation. He is not necessarily looking for full-time work and may well qualify for some kind of special needs program for his employer (assuming such a thing exists in Chattanooga). Andrew is a hard worker, a good friend for those with the patience and interest in getting to know him and he is a man who loves the Lord. He is just now learning to live on his own and he desperately wants and needs a job. I’m hoping and praying that someone who is part of this mysterious family we call “the church” may be able to assist a brother.

If you are aware of a potential position that might be available to him in the Chattanooga area or you know of someone who might, I’d sure be grateful if you would contact me.