SHENANGO VALLEY — The first phase of a local program designed to help young people with autism spectrum disorders transition from high school to adulthood is considered a success — by those running it, those taking part and those funding it.

Two of the young men participating in the program run by St. Anthony’s Point and St. Michael’s Harbour, Inc., Hermitage, have secured permanent jobs after working several months at internships in the area. This was just one of the goals of the program, program director Christina Long said.

Michael Mondak, 23, of Hermitage is working at the Community Library of the Shenango Valley and attending the Shenango campus of Penn State University.

Shane Myers, 20, of West Middlesex, works at Farrell Golden Dawn and Big Lots in Hermitage, where he’ll soon start full-time.

And the program seems to have taught them a lot about themselves as well as career and life skills.

Myers said it helped him see that his disabilities wouldn’t stop him from getting a job. And the staff is nice and willing to help with anything, he said.

Mondak said it helped him to find a job that suits his strengths and to help him develop friendships.

“We’re no different than other kids, other young adults …,” Myers said. “We can get a job like regular people. We can do anything a regular person can do but it may take a little longer. Or we might pick it up faster than regular people, so there can be some plus sides.”

Myers’ comment elicited a silent cheer of “yes” from Ms. Long.

A grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Autism Services to run the pilot program has been extended for another year, Ms. Long said

Autism spectrum disorders cover a broad range of symptoms and affect social skills, which can make it hard to navigate the world of work, Ms. Long said. Both Mondak and Myers have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.

People with autism can have difficulty communicating and with transitions, she said. They often need a lot of structure, exhibit stereotypical repetitive behaviors and are either hypo- or hyper-sensitive.

“Some actions by people with Asperger’s do get misconstrued,” Mondak said.

In the program, trainer advocates help the clients prepare for the work force and to learn the skills they’ll need to succeed on the job.

Mondak said things are going well at the library, where another man is also working through the program, and its director agreed.

“I believe it’s working out really well on their end and on our end,” said library director Amy Geisinger. “They seem to be learning the skills and get the basic work ethic.”

“I’m having fun,” Mondak said. “My favorite thing about working at the library is that I’m surrounded by books every day I’m there.”

Myers unloads trucks and stocks shelves at Golden Dawn, which he also does at Big Lots. But his favorite thing about work is building things at Big Lots, which he said he’s good at.

Myers said he plans to save his first paycheck, while Mondak said he’ll put his toward school books.

Mondak is studying business administration with an aim to work for a major television production company in Los Angeles. His dream would be to work for the Game Show Network, he said.

Mondak said people should know that those with autism spectrum disorders should be treated like normal people.

A peer support group has also been a success, Ms. Long said, and the young people have made some great friendships.

The two young men have become golfing buddies and Myers said he also enjoys games and music and “just having fun.”

Ms. Long said the employers have said they really enjoy having the young adults working for them, their understanding of autism has grown and they want to learn more.

Ms. Geisinger said the library staff especially enjoy having the men there to help complete tasks that tend to add up.

One thing Mondak has done that will be quite beneficial is reading shelves, which is making sure books are in the correct order. Once a book is misshelved, Ms. Geisinger said it could be lost for a very long time.

“I really do think that there is a need for this. So often they seem to fall through the cracks … they just need a little extra to get them going in the real world. I think it’s a great opportunity for them,” Ms. Geisinger said. “I think it’s a great program for the community, too.”

“Without this program, I probably wouldn’t have gotten a good job or made such good friends,” Myers said.

And Mondak said he might not have been able to finish the school year without it.

Ms. Long said they are looking for more people to join the program. Anyone who would like to refer someone 18 or older with autism can call the agency at 724-982-0414.

“I’m just so happy I don’t even know what to say,” Ms. Long said. “We’re here to help.”