Aaron Glick is a maestro in assembling pizza boxes just so. This young man on the autism spectrum performs this task — which most employees dislike — “faster and better than anyone,” Mark Foley, manager at MOD Pizza’s West Galleria location, told the Chronicle’s Suzanne Garofalo.

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may not be able to maintain eye contact or make small talk, but they often bring unique skills to the workforce. October, which was the 30th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, should be a reminder to managers in retail, restaurant and other service businesses not to overlook this pool of talented employees.

This country has experienced a startling rise in autism diagnoses. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upped its estimate to 1 in 59 U.S. births — twice the 2004 rate of 1 in 125.

National advocacy group Autism Speaks estimates 500,000 teens with autism will reach adulthood over the next 10 years.

Employing adults on the autism spectrum is a win for employers who need workers who are less likely to become bored by repetitive tasks and are above-average in reliability, loyalty and focus.

It’s a win for the adults with autism who deserve and want the dignity of work. It’s a win for parents who crave true independence for their children. It’s a win for taxpayers, who don’t have to fund government assistance for individuals capable of supporting themselves.

It makes no sense that more than half of adults on the spectrum are unemployed and not enrolled in higher education in the two years after high school. This is a lower rate than that of young adults with a learning disability, intellectual disability or speech-language impairment.

Although some young adults on the spectrum are unable to work, others only need a modicum of training to be successful. It’s good to see several non-profits in town are engaged in finding and providing jobs.

Social Motion Skills pairs a coach with young adults with autism and similar special needs. The workers are eventually weaned off the coach, who stays in touch as issues arise.

“She’s well on her way to independence,” one mother of a young adult on the spectrum told Garofalo when describing her daughter’s new job as a patient transporter at DeBakey VA Medical Center. the position was obtained with help from the non-profit, Social Motion Skills .

Workplace inclusion is good for the economy. It’s smart business. And as Glick’s story shows, it’s good for the people given an opportunity to work.