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.