Aussie Teenager With Autism Starts His Own Business After Employers Rejected

A young student who has autism is making thousands of dollars after starting his own business.

More than a year ago Clay Lewis was struggling to find a job, so rather than wait for one to come around he decided to go out and do it himself.
For the past two years he has been cleaning neighbours' bins but transformed his hobby into a fully-fledged business, with a list of 70 clients who pay him to clean their wheelie bins.

And since setting up 'Clay's Bin Cleaning' the 16-year-old says he has made more than $6,000 - charging customers $10 per bin.

The business has been so successful that Clay has had to employ another three people from his school to help with the workload.

Speaking to the Mail, the youngster from Brisbane, Australia, joked: "I just love getting cash."

But just more than a year ago it was a different story for Clay, who was finding it almost impossible to find an after school job.

His mum, Laura Lewis said: "Because he speaks differently than other people, employers have unfair assumptions based on first impressions.

"If Clay had a job interview today, I can guarantee you he won't get a job. They don't know he has a great work ethic, he is very loyal and very diligent.

"If people are given chances, their self confidence will improve."

The proud mum says she wants her son to become more independent and be able to care for himself, so he won't have to rely on the state for help.

And the young entrepreneur is already giving back to society, offering to clean bins for charities for free.

One of Clay's regulars, Zoe Lawton, has praised him fro doing a 'fantastic job every time'.

She said: "He's a great inspiration for anyone - not just teenagers but for people like myself."

His mum said it's sad that it can be so difficult for children with disabilities to get a job.

She said: "Families are so busy and spend their days working and there are so many job opportunities for children with disabilities.

"Dog walking, water plants, mowing lawns and cleaning pools are jobs any busy family would pay someone to do,

"I encourage those parents to help their kids find a niche and just set up a Facebook page."

According to reports, Clay isn't sure what he's going to do after high school but plans to use some of his money to go on holiday to Dubai to watch the F1 Grand Prix.

Well done, Clay!

Featured Image Credit: Laura Lewis

Topics: News, Inspirational, Interesting, Job, Australia, Autism

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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