Job Fair Opens Doors for Teens with Autism in Passaic

Passaic is set to hold a special job fair for teens with autism on Saturday, April 18. Eight local businesses will be there to talk about work and give hands‑on training. The event happens during Autism Awareness Month, making it one of the first of its kind in the area. The idea started with the mayor’s own family. He talked to his 14‑year‑old son about future jobs and noticed few options were offered. Around the same time, a Netflix crew filming nearby asked if they could hire two teens with autism. That conversation sparked the thought of a larger job fair. The mayor thinks local companies can help many young people. Jobs in accounting, hospitality and assembly are just a few possibilities. He says the fair is about more than jobs—it’s about inclusion and independence. New Jersey has a high number of autism cases, about 1 in 35 kids. Many teens leave school programs early and need real work experience.The fair will give them life skills, training and a chance to stay in a job they like. Planning took months of meetings with parents, experts and business owners. They set rules for job descriptions, sensory needs, training and transport. Eight businesses, including a bakery and a juice bar, said they will join. The juice bar manager hopes to offer short training for kitchen or counter work. Other companies will show how they can support people with autism in the workplace. The fair runs from noon to 3 p. m. at the Passaic Indoor Recreation Facility. It will feature on‑the‑spot hiring, internships and talks by experts. Kids and families can join interactive activities while learning about new opportunities. Businesses that participate will earn an Autism‑Friendly Certified badge with a blue puzzle piece. This is part of the mayor’s plan for an Autism‑Friendly Commercial District. The community is invited to attend, meet employers and learn how they can help teens with autism succeed.