Meet the Gutsy Dad That Started a Car Wash to Help His Son Find Purpose

Individuals with autism are an advantage for this Florida business.

[@Mellowspark1]

Everyone has a place in society. Stop bashing on these people that work hard and overcame their difficulties. #Respect

[@JohnChuckran]

Well said Hubert #Respect

[@bibboubrawn8003]

respect to you as well

[@ke_rico]

I have a 7 year old autistic son that does not speak yet. I cry every night. This video gave me a huge feeling of hope as I worry about nothing else other than my son well being and I pray he one day can care for himself once I have passed. Thank you for the video.

[@SODTAOE]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I sincerely wish both of you the best. I know that this is just a KZbin comment but I could never imagine the pain you experience. I'm sure your son loves you in ways that don't require words. Happy Father's day, from one human being to another, I want nothing more but the best in life for you and your family. If this means anything to you, my thoughts are prayers are with you.

[@davidjohnjr]

May God give your son his voice

[@jeffsmidt4866]

Isaac, please look into Rapid Prompting Method if your son is non-verbal. Our son is 13 and just in the past year we have found a way to communicate with him and have learned that he is, despite his inability to speak, an incredibly intelligent young man. I don't know if he would take well to washing cars due to other aspects of his disability, but now that we can communicate with him, a whole new world has opened up. I encourage you to look into this. You may see some "controversy" associated with it due to a lack of scientific research, but for many young people including our son, it has been a lifesaver. Best wishes to you.

[@chrisrishermn]

Try biomed therapy, Nemechek protocol or fish oils, gluten free, dairy free diet. Don't give up. But don't forget to fast & pray. God gave you this problem and you need his help to make it go away.

[@louisg3598]

Hey Mel - you're not alone, though sometimes it may feel like you're on an island.

[@technodrone313]

i used to work with an austistic guy at a pizza hut. i was the only one he would interact with because i treated him like a normal person.

[@xaiano794]

This is how society should work - finding places for people that suits their strengths, not that sidelines them for their weaknesses.

[@heulwensault-jones6346]

Anyone who thinks these adults are being "used" or "forced" to do this work, you clearly haven't met someone with Autism. If they don't want to do it, they bloody well won't do it!! haha.

[@michaelgoodman9068]

well, given that people with autism are really portrayed in a bad light by people that are way more influential than they are, it's a tough hole to get out of.

[@aidanderson53X]

Not just that but they are getting paid just like any normal employee. This honestly made me cry because it's so touching that they are really making a difference by reinventing autism

[@jacobju6039]

Thank you so much for this video! My older is autistic. I showed this video to my mom and she is crying right now. My father blames my mom that my brother is autistic and left us. I admire the dad in this video. Thank you for saying that, your wife did all the heavy job, I can see you are a good husband and a good father.

[@karmickoala101]

Thanks for making this world brighter..

[@lenek1525]

My brother is autistic and he is such a people person, more so than I am. He would be at that car wash saying hello and how are you, and God bless you to everyone. However he also would just be standing watching everything that is going on. Lol. I love him so much for who he is and if everyone had a spirit like his the world would be a better place.

[@DJayAce4]

Wow I wish there was a place like this where I live, I'd get my car washed every week, its like a win win situation! You're car is clean and you also help out the autism community, would bring a smile to my face every week :) I live in Houston TX, if anyone knows of a place like this in Houston, please share with me, supporting a place like this in such an awesome way would mean a lot to me.

[@biilybob1]

"Among adults with autism, there is a 90 percent unemployment rate." As a 19 year old with autism that has yet to graduate this fucking scares me

[@Tobikrump]

Wise words from Arnold: *Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.* Graduate and fuck the statistics.

[@biilybob1]

***** Ofcourse I'ill try my best to succeed but i've been fired from every job i've had so far for learning things too slow:\

[@xaiano794]

Work to your strengths, everyone has them - usually autistic people suck at social interaction, but excel at meticulous tasks. There are plenty of jobs that suit this mentality from software tester to railroad signaller. The worst thing you can do is do what is best for other people, not what is best for you.

[@Tobikrump]

Xaiano I've been thinking what the correct course of action would be (if just the force of will isn't enough)... In Sweden everyone with an autism spectrum is "protected" in some areas by the law. I don't know what rights they have in the US. Your advice is solid, many people with autism have excelled in their work due to special interest in the tasks (very rarely social interactive ones).

[@RosefromPittsburgh]

***** My sister's godson have autism. He is now 14 and I pray everyday that he will be able to make it when we're all are dead and gone. There's nothing in the US that protects kids or adults with autism and it's so sad.

[@ToddandErin]

Watching with tears in my eyes--this is everything Autism parents need to know--because at 22, we all have to be ready with a plan for our kids. I love this family. LOVE them.

[@cassandrahutchinson6662]

My 5-year-old son has autism. I have often wondered what we can do to ensure, that in his future, he is able to find purpose and excel. This is the kind of story that allows autism parents to breathe. There is a whole world out there for him, we just have to find his place in it. Thank you for this.

[@TheBiggsVerde]

stumbled onto this.... this is so crazy. I'm related to this family who owns the car wash. My late grandfather's sister's family. Hi guys!!!! Chris here! So inspiring to see this, had no idea you guys were doing this! Keep up the great work!

[@travisperegrine7329]

It is nice to see such a hardworking group of individuals who pay attention to the details of their profession. Lots of people use the word autism as an insult, but it is really an advantage under the right circumstances. Cheers to these talented workers and the owners of this business. -Travis Peregrine

[@laurenlee64]

This warms my heart , the smiles on their faces shows how much it means to them that they have a puporse and are so happy to be out and working living life to the fullest

[@livelifeforaliving]

I love this so much! I work with children with Autism - and things like this give me hope for their future.

[@deathcamp1]

hey id get my car washed there and id prolly wanna work there too after ive worked with a bunch of jerks at other jobs, at least these guys seem happy

[@PatHiban]

This is a great idea. Thank You for making the world a better place.

[@Mslilshine]

Wonderful work, I'm truly blessed and touched by this video. Thank you for what you're doing

[@maryannerl4566]

What a great thing you guys are doing... well done.

[@BJKage]

I have an high functioning autism and have and keep a job is a huge deal to me. For me the worst thing ever is social interaction and I am also slow, because of dealing with details. We need to have everything perfect. I do things perfect or don´t do them, try to work in fabric. And all because my brain is plugged in a bit differently. And yeah I have learnt English, just by watching movies and reading stupid comments on you tube.

[@WaffleAbuser]

Daily reminder not to feed the trolls

[@BJKage]

If it was meant for me, than you really are an idiot.I ain´t a parasite and no need to leech anyone. I work and I do not need any benefits and I really am glad I do not live USA, where people are like u. Didn´t your mother teach u to be polite and not to swear? What are you doing on site like this anyway if you are a hater? This special one video was about being positive and helping people like me to be independent.

[@BJKage]

I did, thank you, but I am from Europe and I have already find a suitable job for me. I have started to work at home, reborning dolls.

[@sharonswift8668]

They feel valued. Thank God for people like u.

[@bustachaina]

this meant so much for me to watch... i have a brother who isnt exactly autistic but had a learning disability growing up. never diagnosed with aspergers but that's what I believe he has. He's 25 now and lately I cry myself to sleep at night thinking of a way to help him get a job so he can experience life and people instead of staying home all day. i pray i find something for him

[@PurpleGoddess24]

Same here. The world can be so cruel

[@beegirl6737]

I also have an autistic son. This is so heartwarming. Thank you.

[@amritajanak7009]

May each community and company create a place where every autistic child can work. See them as your very own 💗

[@CUBOSH]

this kind of human understanding is DESPERATELY needed in a society that still just dumps all forms of disabled people into one understaffed center with obsolete practices. this older brother is like a drop of water in a desert.

[@isaackatiku8918]

am a Kenyan boy also looking forward in opening a successful car wash back their.....my God bless you guys

[@mozzmann]

My younger of 2 Son's is in the mild autistic spectrum, this is simply bloody brilliant that this guy has seen an opening for young adults to work and feel great about their job. Superb !!!

[@sharonswift8668]

They are hard working people and enjoy working and contributing to society.

[@Whorulesnow]

Brilliant. This should happen all over the country. Thank you for this very positive, uplifting video. It helps that the family is so supportive of each other.

[@shakethamikel1636]

This is one of the best vocational sites for special pops that I have seen in a while. Great job!

[@potter3050]

This is awesome. People with A.S. are still people. My son is autism spectrum and this story is motivating for me as a single father. This family deserves accolades.

[@nicktubach2652]

Who would give this video a thumbs down? I love how these owners have shifted their perspective to appreciate seeing their autistic employees (and brother/son) as a competitive advantage, while changing those individuals' lives. Kudos to you!

[@thehrchannel8983]

This is a good thing! I am happy for these guys. Instead of looking at their weakness, we should look at their strength.

[@susanjoseph4289]

I love how the D'Eri family has always known that there are no disabilities just that we all have differing abilities.. Thank you for being a pioneer in this grassroots movement....

[@e4300]

About time somebody in this country did something advantageous for people other than thinking about themselves.

[@MagickBalls]

Absolutely wonderful! My wife works with kids that have Autism, so I have at least an idea on how it affects its victims and those around them. This car wash -- a terrific idea to a horrible problem. Real thinking out the box. So glad it works. Good for all involved. GREAT FEEL GOOD AND CAN DO SPIRIT (caps on purpose). Well done video as well.

[@piedathemokona]

This is so touching... Knowing that there are people like them out in the world, it gives me hope I'm on the spectrum myself, and it has been hard for me to hold down a job because I can't think normally

[@tonys5317]

Amazing video. I have had many exposures to high functioning autistic individuals. This is a great example of how they can excel in a very useful function. Kudos to that family.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

Great job.

[@scruffygaming627]

This is pure genius. Such a simple idea and absolteuly perfect. Catering to the strengths of Austism

[@maryjane3713]

Saw their story on the Today show but I wanted to be able to say what a great job they're doing

[@kennethcohagen9037]

How did you raise the money to get this business started? You faced my biggest fear and hit the ball out of the park. I need to find something like this for my son.

[@startingtech3900]

they were well off and probably had a big down payment and a loan for the rest from the bank

[@kellsterwellster29]

This moves me beyond belief. I am leading a non profit for autistic children & families and Can't WAIT until we launch small businesses like this that employ and empower our older and aging population. This is an example of what is needed if we are going to have a world that works...

[@souravzzz]

Always knew potatoes are good for cleaning glass and metal.

[@genecopelan9111]

Hey Car wash Man: Congratulations on the success you have achieved with your son. As a parent of a 44 year old son with Autism, I am inspired by your success and attitude. Our son still lives us as he always will. He still makes progress in his thought development and appropriate responses. When they begin to ask questions, it becomes a feel good situation. Continues success with your son and business at helping others. Regards, Gene Copelan

[@nekbirsal-tipsaad876]

I have heard (from others on Reddit) that autism is a big problem on a website called 4chin (I don't know for sure I've never been there) . But this video gives the humanitarian in me hope that even the misguided that go to 4chin can succeed in life.

[@ITGuy1970]

Welcome to hide fedora, enjoy your stay.

[@LemonLorraine]

This is so inspiring!! Wish there were more people like this in the world who were willing to find a solution a creative solution to help people.

[@joew717]

I live near this business and have always wanted to get my car washed there but never have the time because there's are always a huge line around the building! The South Florida community supports the heck out of them!

[@tatyana6063]

I again have high functioning autism, and I really enjoyed this video because of the idea. The idea is that even though you have social troubles of any ways, especially more, you want to keep trying, even with the job you want.

[@Bev4Drawing]

I really love this video! It's so encouraging to see them in a place where they are valued and treated like people that they are! Despite all the negative, uneducated, troll comments, this is a great company and family who know the struggle and really care. ^-^

[@salcortez869]

Everyone needs to feel needed and like we have a sense of worth .... I love what u are doing , not just for ur kid but also for the rest of the guys .... awesome job

[@kylerootphotos]

I was watching Wretched tonight and they were highlighting this video. Awesome!

[@GapedCeiling]

I have been diagnosed since I was 18 and have used detailing as my outlet for depression. It has since become my career path and I enjoy the structure of it but It can still be hard without the proper management that understands. I would go into business for my own but the last two time I did was either a struggle to generate enough business and maintain the stress of running everything, or the time all my equipment was stolen by a meth addict. Since then I have just decided to work with body shops in order to maintain a living wage. Its a good day when I see a management team that understands not only the value of a routine worker but the struggles we face as autist's....

[@jonathanLara1989]

hands down to the father and son.....RESPECT

[@Firebuged]

You guys have done a great thing here and speaking from a father with a son who is on the spectrum I cannot give you enough praise for this and you ever decide to open a franchise out here in drought stricken California please post something.

[@hawgdawg556]

Wow. This is my first time seeing this video. I am blessed beyond belief by it. Thank you.

[@missmelodyjoy]

This is amazing! Businesses like this one should be a more common thing, rather than a unique exception. Those with disabilities deserve a greater chance at succeeding in life independently. Where there are given opportunities, they will show up with determination... believe me.

[@Faith_and_Hope_07]

God bless the efforts of this company 1 million fold! Wow! Absolutely beautiful! I live south of this place and will definitely go visit. I have a daughter I would love to work in a place like this that would love and understand her. wow! wow!

[@t3dwards13]

Such a beautiful concept! I as well wish there were more places like this.

[@theshazman]

Think of it what you want. These kids had nothing going on for them. Now they get to at least meet others like themselves. Feel useful that they are doing something with their lives, however inferior you consider their job or task is. They seem happy, and content. The business makes money, they have jobs and can find companionship. I'd say that's a win-win. Not sure why some people are considering this exploitation. They're all there in front of you, excited about doing their job. That's not exploitation. That's called an intelligent business model. I say more power to the owners. This needs to happen more often and in more places in the world. Just because you're handicapped, doesn't mean you're of less worth than others. Just my 2 cents.

[@PamelaPollandMusic]

Thank you so much for showing the world how to take such a high road. I will share this widely.

[@Nirmanakaya3]

May God always bless this owner and his company. :)

[@cammedZ71]

Incredible. Good on you guys for giving them a chance when very few would.

[@PmcG521]

THIS IS AWESOME!! Don't scroll down, people! Your IQ will be lowered!

[@annswillette3208]

My son is on the spectrum and this is amazing!!!! Gives so much hope

[@frankrodriguez7468]

Very inspirational video. Much respect for the Dad and family.

[@Kittylove39]

I live in Michigan. My 26 year old autistic son is non verbal. He really wants to work. Finding something for him is really hard.I don't have money to start a business, otherwise I would. I would also hire others as well that normally wouldn't be hired because of their disabilities. This is a big problem. And its only going to get worse as 1 out every 33 people are autistic.

[@fredroa694]

God Bless you rising tide! You are an inspiration and example to all.

[@khylelewis]

You guys are heroes.

[@sharonswift8668]

You are so right they have a great eye for detail.

[@ChrisGWGreen]

I UTTERLY love every aspect of this!

[@carolinereeds7036]

Awesome! Making the world a better place! 👍

[@gizmogoose.2486]

What an absolutely superb story!

[@TheAGCteam]

I have to admit, they did an excellent job on every car in this video.

[@jpontiac4294]

Great jobs guys.....awesome what you do for these people!!

[@claudechiasson7875]

Love this! I wish you guys all the success in the world!

[@howlingwind1937]

Thank you. Cheers from Tasmania!

[@AnnaRvlogs]

I work with children who have autism and its great to see them do this at car wash they need to bring one to Southern California where they can do car wash and I be glad to go get one in supporting

[@kathydoubleu6826]

LOVE this man!

[@mojavedesert2610]

Amazing!!! Absolutely Amazing!!! Thank you for posting...🙋

[@TheDude111]

This is so awesome. I salute you Rising Tide!

[@SuperTbird78]

What an awesome thing you guys are doing. ..and what a great job on the cars!

[@Atom77722]

Truly heartwarming.

[@ceeluke3075]

This is absolutely amazing. With all the politics and race issues in the world today I find this video to be proof there are still kind hearted people in this world that care for one another. That’s our whole purpose on this earth guys. This is not our home forever. Cherish and care for fellow human beings like yourself because at the end of the day we are running the same race. The human race.

[@CeramicswithAnAutistic]

And here in California where im at lancaster we have day programs that dont give the people with disabilities their minimum wage or benefits i truly love this business and i have autism

[@Michael-NZ]

this is awesome. Making a difference

[@PersianCeltic]

This is amazing what a great idea need more of these opportunities for anyone with autism!

[@ZenThothAscending]

I love this and the car way is near my home.. Thank guys for sharing!

[@Daskamania]

giving a whole new meaning to "Have an A1 day"

[@JonathanLove]

Awesome guys and thanks! Don't let society get you down =) big up.

[@aaltamar38]

I wish more companies like this would follow suit.

[@maur511]

Wonderful idea! God Bless!

[@sangeliastorck8283]

Part of the problem that we folks with ASD face. Is that in some ways we are trapped in our bodies. As in what we try to say and or do. That being trapped in our bodies includes us being a bit clumsy. I wonder how many of us have been walking or running and tripped over air?

[@andrewaway]

Thanks for that, Pretty impressive.

[@TheHuntw2]

Wonderful, really well done.

[@tourist1r]

wow...this guy Tom is very similar to Paul Walker , his voice , the way he talks , the anatomy , clothing style , charisma.....etc I think he's got a decent shot at being a movie star.

[@JDswarez]

Great job, keep up the inspiring work

[@stevekatz874]

Everyone who is on the "Find a cure" band wagon really need to put their money toward things like what THIS family did! I hope this is the future.

[@ricardopena5733]

This makes my heart so freaking happy😭