Stories About Autism | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

From 2020, Anderson Cooper's story about adults on the autism spectrum with unique talents and capabilities. From 2017, Lesley Stahl's piece on Julia, Sesame Street's new autistic character. From 2011, Stahl's look at how simple computer programs are being used to assist in the education of children with autism. And from 2012, Morley Safer's profile of Jake Barnett, a young math and science prodigy.

"60 Minutes" is the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen's Top 10.

0:00 Intro
0:11 Talent on the Spectrum
13:14 Apps for Autism
26:04 New Kid on the Street
39:10 Jake

[charlieadams-qnif]

I used to have a job to help people with disabilities find part time jobs. This was the hardest job I ever had. Because employers see individuals with disabilities as a liability and employers don't want to do job accommodations. I learned people with disabilities are extremely dedicated to their jobs and are very reliable. These people with disabilities are at work every day and making sure they get their job done.

Thank you 60 Minutes for bringing this issue to light. Hopefully more employers will give adults with disabilities a chance and a job.

[Ceci_et_Cela]

My husband’s high school friend has a low functioning autistic teenager. They were visiting a few years ago, and the son, Ben, loved our dog. So I was in the kitchen and Ben came in there. My dog was there too. As Ben is petting our dog, I said “She likes you Ben” He looked into my eyes, totally relaxed and replied “ Yeah she likes me”. His father’s eyes got so wide. I think it was huge progress for Ben, as he NEVER engaged with people. His head was always down and into his own world. This video brought that memory back. Makes me feel so good that he felt comfortable and safe around me.

[kevinfreeman]

I was diagnosed late in life. I am a professional masker and learned to mimic as a child. I now use it to my advantage. I have an insane ability to see patterns and utilize it in a successful career. I have a massive vocabulary and can hear patterns in language. I am even a published poet because of it writing unique poetry

[kathCT]

I have autism, a learning disability and ocd. Live on my own and work. Not good at math. Some days are good. Some aren’t. I take each day as it comes.

[cinquemaniwelhouse]

I had the privilege of working with organizations that helped place autistic individuals in the workplace, and I can honestly say they were some of the most dedicated and hardworking people I’ve ever met. They picked up instructions quickly, were incredibly observant, and always worked with efficiency and precision.

Their honesty and unique perspectives made every day more enjoyable, often turning a difficult day into a rewarding experience. I truly appreciated having them as part of the team.

[jayandriot]

I am 71, on the spectrum, and love my iPad. It is with me all day long. Thanks for the series of stories presented here.

[tundrawomansays]

So many of these parents are so deeply engaged with their kids. How I wish I had a parent like these!

[Taurusboy]

I am Autistic and I must say that it is truly a struggle for me. I work better alone and remote. Office work is extremely overwhelming and stressful.

[AlohaCakeArt]

My son is only 9 and he is non verbal and not high functioning. I really hope he can communicate with us as he grows older.

[terri]

My son was diagnosed at age 2, and we began early intervention. He was in diapers, but could read the newspaper. He would tell me I was going the wrong way in the car from his car seat. He followed in mine and his father‘s footsteps and is now a flight attendant for American Airlines.

[shaykitty]

My youngest grandson is nonverbal autistic seven year old. But he’s super intelligent, he can spell about 50 different musical instruments. He’s a very happy child and a joy to be with. We are finally getting some sounds from him, but every day is a challenge.

[LorenaTLS]

I needed this story today. My 19 year old daughter recently got diagnosed on the spectrum and she's yet to find employment. She's had many interviews and no one calls her back. It's disheartening to see her go through rejection after rejection. She doesn't feel comfortable explaining her diagnosis with strangers, in this case, potential employers and she's definitley in her right to do so. But to see her get her hopes up and wait for a call that isn't coming is very frustrating. I appreciate this story very much, it gives me hope for my daughter.

[ShirleyPotts-udnb]

As a mom of two sons this is a very important documentary.

[SandraGarcia-holb]

The other day on Valentine's Day, I had a customer with his 5 year old Autistic son. He didn't speak, very active. At first, Jean was petrified of me. The fear in his eyes said it all . Little by little, he did calm down.
Walked with them to the front door of the store;
I cannot express the pure joy I felt, walking with dad and precious Jean holding my hand.

[AmeliaHuckleberry]

Those of us on the spectrum who are definitely not good at STEM or spatial skills have an even harder time. Sometimes we are really strong in verbal/literary skills, but those are not valued in the least by society anymore.

[lizzyg]

I'm autistic. (Diagnosed with Asperger's when I was in middle school). I would like to point out not all autistic people work in tech or other STEM-focused job. For me, I majored in psychology in college and I work full-time as a non-clinical case manager in the developmental disability field.

[alexaales]

jim henson should have been awarded the nobel peace prize for all he has done for children around the world!!!!

[Fireladybug-we]

I am on the autism spectrum and I know how hard it is. I have been out of a job for almost five months. I don’t have the smart math and science skills some autistic people have. My love is with animals.

[kristinebailey]

My husband, a museum curator hired an autistic gal around 28 years old. He looked for her strengths and has her scanning old WWII photos and entering them into a storage system. He ended up fighting for her to get her on full time with health benefits. She is a great employee.

[familylove]

NOBODY REALLY KNOWS UNLESS YOU ACTUALLY LIVE IT OR DEAL WITH IT 😢