nonPareil Institute

This is a wonderful, nurturing and supportive environment for my oldest. The learning and the positive social aspect are so important and well balanced.

My son who is in the Autism spectrum is enrolled at nonPareil. Having an educational environment for adults with autism is extremely important and not easy to find. The staff from Katie to everyone one else have been amazing. We are beyond grateful for everyone at NPI and for Gary the founder and his visionary goals. We are excited to see what's next for him at nonPareil!

My son who is in the Autism spectrum is newly enrolled at nonPareil. The experience so far has been wonderful. The staff from Katie to everyone one else have been amazing. He has been made to feel welcome and my observed interactions between him and the staff have been amazing! My son is beginning to thrive. We are excited to see what's next for him at nonPareil!

NonPareil has made such a positive impact on my son's life. As an adult with autism NonPareil has helped to develop social skills and given him a place to engage with others who understand him. So blessed to be a part of this great organization!

My brother is a crew member at nonPareil. His time at nonPareil has greatly impacted his social skills, work readiness, and personal confidence. We are so grateful for the nonPareil team!

nonPareil Institute has given my young adult son who experiences autism purpose and meaning in life. His life has changed drastically since starting at nonPareil about a year ago! We are very grateful for him to be learning technical and social skills that will assist him in gainful employment and overall healthy happy relationships.

nonPareil was immediately a welcoming, no anxiety environment for our student. After gaining a GED he was stuck mentally from going out into the world and had pretty much remained in his room for a year. He was very brave to try nonPareil but he has fit in beautifully. No trouble at all to get up and get going to nonPareil. We are still new, but so far, so good.

nonPareil is such an amazing organization! They truly are changing the lives of adults with autism! Incredible to work with!

nonPareil Houston has been an answer to prayer for our family and many other families. Our son started there as soon as it opened and it quickly became apparent that this was the place he needed to be. Since computers interest many people with autism, nonPareil drew him in and he became proficient in the training he was given. He showed a side of himself, helping others who were struggling, which then led to the opportunity to be hired as a Computer Lab Assistant. From there he moved on to working as a part time instructor. This job has brought purpose to his life and he is very proud of the work he does, helping other "crew" with their training. We are very thankful for nonPareil and all the fine people who work there.

nonPareil is helping adults with autism by teaching them tech skills, workforce training, and soft/core skills. They also provide an inclusive and accepting community.

nonPareil gives hope to young adults with autism and their families by providing technical training and extra soft/core skills. They also provide a safe community for learning and fun activities.

I like to volunteer at nonPareil throughout the year because it makes me feel good and haopy. I am an adult on the spectrum that got diagnosed in my 40s. I wish nonPareil was around when I was looking for a place to go after high school.

I have been donating to this amazing nonprofit for years as I have a student in the program. nonPareil has changed her life and I am forever grateful for this program.

I had the pleasure of touring nonPareils beautiful campus this spring and all I can say is WOW. The staff know what they are doing there and they are running a fabulous program for adults on the autism spectrum. If you get the chance you need to go take a tour of this place and you will fall in love with the mission.

As a Trust Officer who specializes in Special Needs administration, it is imperative to me to know about all the local resources for my clients, my professional network, and for my family circle. It is important to advocate for these services and to connect them to the right parties. It takes a team to do so and I am proud to recommend nonPariel Institute to anyone in my circle. They perform an invaluable service to the Autistic community by building a better future for them while leaving a lasting impact for all to see.

Tanya T. Castro, CFP(r), CTFA
Current Advisory Board Member

nonPareil is a wonderful place with a fantastic mission.

This organization is made up of people who care and give a great deal of time and energy toward improving the lives of people on the spectrum. I believe this is a quality nonprofit organization.

I have known about nonPareil for many years, dating back to just the Plano office. Fast forward - there are now 4 physical and 1 on-line location so that they can continue to better the lives of as many young adults on the spectrum as possible! And I have seen first-hand how much nP has changed lives!

nonPareil continues to change lives to adults on the autism spectrum. A place that accepts and loves these guys wholeheartedly. If you are on the spectrum or know of any one that is, nonPareil is the place that helps dreams come true for them.

nonPareil's mission is a labor of love and that is evident by how much they do to provide a caring and safe community where adults with autism can build better futures!

I have seen first hand nonPareil change lives! These adults finish high school and don't know what's next for them. nonPareil is place they can continue their education and work on their work-readiness skills to prepare them for a future job. What an amazing program!

Hello, my name is Gabriel Caballero I am 25 years old with Asperger's Syndrome I am born in Dallas, Texas I was given birth in Parkland Hospital to a mother with autism Maria Esther Caballero and my father Arturo Cruz Blancas they were in the place where the parents had to work and are usually struggling with many situations where they can`t be outside of their houses without permission from their parents or they had to work from a young age. My mother`s sisters and brothers are abused from their alcoholic fathers and had rough childhoods. My dad is a accountant for a office corporation and my mother use to be a pharmaceutical secretary and had dated many people with professions and making a living in other she has connections. Many friends she has go through the same thing or different situations. I never had a dad visit me but my uncles take care of me so did my grandfather Jesus Vargas, my mother and her friends raised me. My mother was deported after I was born in a airport where she was using when the people who works in visas had her visas expired. So there is a reason she took me in Mexico in late 90s to 2000s when I was a child.Farenheit married her in paper to she stays in US.I am usually a person who do things by the book. I resemble my father more my mother is a crypto jew and so is her parents, grandparents and many others because most came from Europe before they were in Ukraine or other places. I am interested to know my lineage. I only know my grandfather and parents before him came from France in 1800s.Many of them converted to Catholicism but never practice Judaism. My father and his lineage are from Mazahua India in Michoacán before they moved to Mexico City. My older cousin Freddy used to work for tire before he works for Zionist ministry in Denton, Texas. My Older cousin may not have degrees from college or university but they know mechanics my grandfather is also a expert. My dad used to work in brewery warehouse before he became a accountant he graduated from college and university in Mexico City.There is more things I can share with you guys.


Gabriel Caballero

NonPareil has been a place were I can pursue my passions. With it's friendly atmosphere and helpful Staff, I can safely say it is a place made for me.

My time as a crew member here have been the best time of my life.

I been here since 2015 and i work really hard in background design and being in two clubs and i enjoy my time here really well.

I've watched nonPareil develop over the years - from an initial focus on just video games to a broader focus on providing technical, vocational and social communication training/experience to help adults with autism build their own best futures. At nonPareil, I've watched adults with autism find employment for the first time in their lives. I've seen adults with autism gain the confidence to go on to college. And I've seen adults with autism who, while perhaps unable to work due to their other diagnoses (apart from autism), have found community, a feeling of belonging, and an opportunity to continue to grow to reach their potential as well.

Is there a better program for assisting adults with autism? I've followed this field for many years...and I have never run across a better program. nonPareil has served over 800 adults with autism; I'm not aware of any program that has more experience in this field. I look forward to watching nonPareil continue to expand its offerings - more tracks of courses, more locations, more opportunities for autistic adults.

The lie that nP perpetuates is hope. And that "hope" comes in the form of lies about employment. Do nP crew members get a job? Sometimes. Especially if your parent properly demonstrates "skin in the game" and is employed there as well. Case in point---the bloviating mess that is the Director of "power sourcing". At his humble beginning, a seemingly grateful parent who wanted to help out---at his worst, an unprofessional, career know-nothing bureaucrat who's clueless about business development, project management, or dealing with people in general. He fumbled his way to this job by being a hatchet man for the uppers. But the kicker is his abject failure at site ops...the consistent turnover of staff and the inability to recognize the illicit sexual relationships between other full time staff who were married and purge them. Or perhaps his worst misstep of all...discriminating against the very Crew staff he alleges to advocate employment for during company Christmas parties by not including them. One would think a parent of a child on the spectrum would have some empathy...but sadly he did not until he was confronted by other staff for it. After all, at nP, they play games better than they make them. This one thinks he's a player too. Perhaps he should relegate his shtick of stratego to the comic book stores.

nP has given so many adults with autism hope. With tech and soft skills training, these adults go on to join the workforce or enroll in college. nP gives them support and a community.

I've been a student at Nonpareil Institute for around four years and it has been a great experience. Over the time I've spent here I believe that I have grown a lot. As a student you get the opportunity to learn several marketable skills that can help you find employment. I learned about scripting and Photoshop, but my main focus is 3d modeling. The instructors here are really helpful and they want to see students learn and improve. All students have an advisor that they can reach out to when they have questions or just need to talk.
Also, I should mention that one of the staff made weekly appointments with me to give me resume and job application advice. The help he gave me led to a job at Immersive Gamebox in Grandscape, which is one of the best jobs I've had so far.

Just recently I started working at Nonpareil. Currently I am shadowing some of the instructors. Having such a supportive community to be a part of has made a huge difference in my life.

Speaking from my experience, if you are on the spectrum and thinking about joining the program, you won't regret it.

This place is amazing! There is no where like it anywhere else in the world. My son feels accepted everyday at nonPareil and his outlook on life has changed for the better! Thank you staff of nonPareil for what you do!!!

nonPareil is a great place for adults on the autism spectrum. The environment makes them feel heard, appreciated, and the program's structure highlights their talents! It's amazing to have a place where the program is shaped around the people who attend, rather than the people attending having to shape themselves to fit in the box!

Our son has been attending nonPareil Institute Orlando for almost 2 years. The goals and expectations set from day 1 have far exceeded our expectations. Our son has found his home away from home, his friends, a community and a purpose. Our family could not imagine our son with out nonPareil. We are so grateful for the amazing staff, the CEO, and all of the donors who came together to make sure nonPareil Orlando could open.

My son has been part of the Houston training program for several years. He loves nonPareil whole-heartedly! He says he feels a sense of belonging and has a purpose because of nonPareil.

I love the way this organization addresses the previously untapped talents of autistic adults.

Amazing program!! Truly making a difference in the lives of adults with autism. The staff love and care for the people they serve. They go above and beyond to help all the crew members and families.

Outstanding staff who has their heart in it. Their dedication and resilience to help provide a future for adults with autism is admirable.

I discovered this wonderful organization back in 2012 when it was new in the space at SMU in Plano. My son was fortunate to be accepted into the program right after graduating high school (in 2013) and he has been there ever since. He has grown so much in that time and learned so much. The training and support he has received has been amazing. I am so thankful for this organization and what they provide to persons on the spectrum. Thank you nonP!

nonPareil is a community where adults on the spectrum feel accepted and provides a place where they feel important and respected. I have had the opportunity to volunteer and meet some of the students at the Plano location. Hearing them talk about the way nonPareil has changed their lives was extremely touching. They were passionate about their work and everything they have achieved while attending nP. This place changes lives for the better!

NonPareil Institute (nP) is all about developing potential. The organization is dedicated to helping young adults with autism gain confidence, technical skills, and supporting them in their quest to become their best possible selves.
Our daughter is currently attending nP in Austin, TX and has been enrolled for just over a year. To describe our experience in a word: Astounding.
Every parent with an autistic child knows the challenges, frustrations, hopes and fears as their child moves from the cocoon of support in grade school into the real world. Their disability makes this transition extremely difficult. All the supports in the structured school environment evaporate overnight.
Our experience with nP has been wonderful. Our daughter has matured more in the past year than we ever thought possible. The focus of the entire organization is on helping autistic young adults achieve their own level of independence by providing an environment where they can thrive.
The staff in Austin (Kim, Kristen, Joel, and Chris) are superstars. The campus here did not miss a beat when the world changed in March 2020. After only a one week break, the school was back, full steam, on-line. Due to the hard work of the staff, our daughter has managed the changes of the past 6-months effortlessly. Thanks to their amazing efforts, the environment has remained safe, cohesive, and they have enabled the “crew” to adapt and overcome without missing a beat.
Autism is a journey, not a destination... three steps forward, two steps back, one sideways... always striving to keep moving down the path. No-one can predict were this journey will take our daughter, but NonPareil has helped her immeasurably as she prepares to engage the real-world. The metamorphosis that nP is enabling is nothing short of astounding.
Note: My wife and I both serve as volunteer members of the parent advisory board for the Austin Campus.

nonPareil has been life-changing for me! I was diagnosed when I was 24 and this January I was able to start attending at nP. I've made many friends and I've been learning coding. Everyone works with me and what will help me improve in even everyday life. I'm grateful to be a part of the nonPareil family!

Hi everybody,
it´s a pleasure to say , as a father with a son under spectrum at Non Pareil Institute /Orlando , for the second year now, that my son increase his sociability and knowledges by far than expected.
He is so happy there, so understood. I can only recommend strongly this wonderful institute .
Not to say the incredible effort made during the covid period.
God bless the ceo and all his team !

Congrats,

Jérôme Six

nonPareil has been life changing for our son. While he is classified as "high functioning" on the Spectrum-he found navigating after high school difficult. nonPareil was an answer to prayer for our family and out son!
He is on the digital track and he loves what he is learning. But in addition-he enjoys and benefits from the comradery with the other crew members.
This is an amazing program--I can't say enough about it.
I joined the advisory board in Houston because of my belief in this organization and for everything that I have seen them to for the young adults that attend nonPareil!

For the first time in my daughter's life, she has found a place where she's not the exception. She has found a place to be herself and that has allowed her to grow in ways that I would not have thought possible. The CORE classes she attends provides her the opportunity to learn and safely practice the social skills she will need to succeed in the neurotypical world. nonPareil provides that safe place with a staff that understands her struggles. Although the future will be a struggle, I have hope for her safety and success, something that was definitely running low.

From the early days of nonPareil Institute, it was clear there was an urgent need for organizations focusing on adults on the spectrum, especially after the support offered by schools and colleges runs out. I was invited to support well-meaning people who not only get it, many live it every day as parents of children on the spectrum, the result of which is high levels of empathy and urgency to succeed in finding meaningful solutions.
The organization has evolved over the years responding more directly to initiatives that most closely support the goal of teaching life and technical skills best serving the attendees for their future. My personal observation is that it often appears those most thankful for the nonPareil Institute existence are the parents of those on the spectrum. It is not easy work and the organizations persistence, adaption and constant optimism are a tribute to all those that help make the organization possible. It is truly rewarding to be part of this enterprise.

nonPareil Institute is a nonprofit that should have been started much sooner than its modest history. I was instantly drawn into the passion that was displayed by those who worked there in not only providing technical learning, but also the intangibles that will assist those with autism to navigate within society with confidence. I have personally witnessed the benefit that nonPareil has done for individuals that attended it's curriculum. The continued success of individuals cannot be overlooked, something is definitely being done correctly.

A marvelous outcome for my son. He has grown from a student to a team leader to an instructor plus handling numerous special projects thanks to the development training provided by a dedicated staff at nonPareil. It has been particularly satisfying for me to observe the growth in his skills and abilities during the past few weeks when he has been working from home. Listening to his precise speaking while instructing or reviewing a project, there is no doubt that nonPareil is at the top in its ability to provide training to help someone on the spectrum develop !!

"They just get it," I thought to myself upon leaving my first visit to nonPareil. I'm sure that most parents of children/young adults on the spectrum know what I'm talking about. I knew after talking to the staff and seeing what the "crew members" were involved in that our son's needs would be more than met in this setting. Our son who is on the high functioning end of the spectrum and now 30 years old, has been a "crew member" at nP for 2 years. He has thrived there and gained so much self awareness and confidence. We can honestly say that we've seen improvements in many aspects of his sociability. He was also promoted to actually be a part time staff member (lab assistant) and loves the responsibility that he has. The staff believes in constantly growing and changing the program in order to meet everyones needs. They realize that most parents want their young adults to be able to step into a job at some point so the staff is constantly beefing us the program to reach those goals. Overall it is a caring and dynamic program that is perfectly suited to young adults on the autism spectrum.

A great program for adults on the autism spectrum to gain the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and life.

What a beautiful and inspiring institution. Seeing young men and women socializing, sharing ideas, supporting each other in their endeavors to learn and grow to one day fulfill their own dreams of contributing to society. I hope more people can see what is happening in their own community. A missing link, a whole, has been filled for these students. God bless

I went to nonPareil from 2013 until 2018. There are some issues I would like to shed light on.

1. There was barely any structure for students for students when I was there. Everyone would get "quests", which were assignments to work on. I went into level design and then coding. For the level design quests, I could just throw a bunch of low-effort uses of the application together and get a pass instantly. For coding, I wasn't taught how to properly design code ("inside-out design") and instead made what were basically code structure versions of Jenga towers (too unstable).

I don't blame the instructors for that though. The fact that this happened with all three of my courses tells me that it's not an issue with instructors. I feel that they were doing the best that they could without a system designed to make things easier on two people with Autism. Interpersonal skills such as teaching are much more difficult for instructors when they are on the autism spectrum, and even worse when a system supposedly designed for people with ASD doesn't help them adapt.

2. They let in a bunch of students, or "Crew", who had serious issues on their own. I had not always behaved amazingly growing up, but I had a clean record and did not intentionally cause any issues while at nonPareil. I made it a point to keep my head down, my mouth shut, and my nose out of trouble. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for a lot of people there.

There are a lot of common themes I noticed with many people there: people constantly talking over each other, lack of respect for rules and boundaries, individual obsessions over weird subjects, and especially a lack of emotional self-control. You put two people together with these traits, and the odds of an argument or physical fight are very high. And when you get an entire room full, the same result as someone throwing a lit match into a room full of fireworks. Now just for fun, add multiplayer games such as Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and Mario Party or games that allow for characters in skimpy outfits. Want to guess what happens?

I want to make it clear that I still believe in nonPareil...as a concept. I cannot believe in it the way it is due to the complete chaos there. I believe that the believe that private enterprises are people applies in this case. In this case, this "person" has shown an inability to manage the chaos going on inside their own biological systems.

I don’t want to give them a Single star. But it looks like I have to give one to put my two cents in. Let me just say that our daughter attended there for five years and we put thousands of dollars into an empty bag with a hole in the bottom. If you are interviewing there thinking of sending your child and spending your money and someone starts telling you that there’s a waiting list and can you wait start running. Especially when miraculously within days your child is bumped to the top of the waiting list. When you can’t find any place to volunteer within their organization, RUN! If you were thinking is this the flimflam Man? RUN!

I don’t even want to give one star. I fell for their promises and fairy tales! This company set our family up to believe our high functioning son would be employed by nP. Years passed by and still nothing. The only change was the tuition increased and if we brought up he really wanted to be employed we were told he needed to take another course. Let me add that if your child is “hired” they still get to pay tuition! It is a shame that the people in charge continue to exploit adults on the spectrum to fill their bank own accounts. Total scam. It could have been an awesome opportunity for so many!

This place used to have a meaning - to hire autistic people. But some time later they changed that and it's unfortunate that if you work on the projects you're unlikely to get any royalties. You pay to work for free in this place which is almost certainly illegal in so many ways.

Honestly this should've just stayed as hiring autistic adults not building better futures. And even so you won't get any certifications. Sorry to say but NonPareil went downhill around 2018. I only stuck around because I was constantly reminded that the location in Fort Worth was going to open soon... and it never did. So in a way I was lied to by the CEO about this so they can continue having me there for their own personal gain.

Do NOT donate to this place. If you donate here you are supporting apparent human trafficking.

It was my understanding in my combined 3 years at non pareil and belief at the time that alongside other individuals on the autism spectrum, I would learn material that public schools and colleges could not teach effectively, achieve goals that normal businesses would have deemed impossible for me, and actually be a productive member of society with the same opportunity and chance to accomplish great things as anyone else who was not on the spectrum would.

That was what the organization promised to deliver.
That was what myself and my family hoped would happen.
That is why we spent several years as silver sponsors for the Non pareil golf tournaments and hockey team.

It was all empty promises hatched in malevolent lies.
There was no structural organization as is needed in any work environment, no incentive to do anything productive since there were no deadlines to meet and no repercussions for not showing up. As a result, most projects were either delayed or cancelled with no hope for completion or were released years later only to have no one play it. Or even promote it.

I regret to say that I have not even scraped the tip of the proverbial iceberg in regards to the entirety of the mishandling and misrepresentation of the company.

According to a contact of mine who shall remain unnamed for fears of blackmail, there are emails involving senior staff refusing to hire an individual on the autism spectrum because of his/her sexual orientation and their “autism”.

Put aside the blatant violation of the laws regarding discrimination against the homosexual community (regardless of your stance, I am referring to legality.) Let the latter sink in for a moment... an institute for autism that rejects positions to people with autism based on autism as a reason.

Discrimination. That’s what I received at np.
When I recommended that non pareil have more structure and incentives and positive/negative reinforcement with making or breaking commitments to working hard and have it function like an actual business and not a condescending day camp for adults, they simply said, “Well, let’s set you up with essentials. So you can organize yourself.”
Discrimination. Discrimination. Discrimination.

And I am not alone. There are others I know who have received worse from that company.

Make no mistake, non pareil is a scam, a greedy, money grubbing pestilence at its root. It’s founders are crooked charlatans out to deceive and swindle by any means necessary.

Even to this day, the founder himself is continuing to contact my family and looking for funding for a new company. He tried to get me and another friend to build his website for free, and is now paying a former senior staff to np to do the same thing I was.

The only thing I can safely say was a positive about that horrible abyss is the friends I made who feel the exact same way.

I could write a novel, but I have said plenty.

Would have been a crew member at nonPareil for 7 years, but I left because I can't trust one of the higher ups and crew members don't get notified with changes beforehand. I used to enjoy nonPareil, but I now know the ugly truth about this program. Too much toxicity and they are greedy with the money. This place is now nothing, but a joke.

I was a student at NPI a few years ago. The biggest complaint I have is I believe the company creates false hope for students hoping to break into software gaming development. The school is nothing more than day care for adults on the spectrum. Hardly any projects see the light of day and the ones that do aren't something most consumers would be interested in buying. If you actually make it pass the student level and become an employee you are most likely not going to be paid a living wage, even if you have a college degree.

One of my drawings which was of a character from an intellectual property I didn't own was sold without my consent. I never signed a contract that disclosed they could perform such an action, nor did I sign any contract at all for that matter.

A high ranking crew member once made a passing homophobic remark in my presence, assuming I wouldn't have an issue with it. I found it quite upsetting and unprofessional. For the record he has since left the company.

The school was also supposed to be secular based however I recall a time where they encouraged praying before we ate pizza for lunch. There was also a drawing of Jesus Christ on the wall in one of our work rooms. Which again I find to be inappropriate because this was not advertised as a Christian school.

There were students with incredibly unruly and obnoxious attitudes who would hurl insults and couldn't work well in a team. Yet some stayed for months on end when it was clear they weren't going to take this program seriously.

I write all this because I encourage any parent who might think this is a good school for their offspring to to think again. It's an absolute waste of time and money, there is almost zero chance they will see an artistic or financial success working with NPI.

When I visited nonPareil Institute in Plano, Texas seven years ago, I was looking for a safe place for my daughter Katie to explore her interests in technology. NonPareil has more than delivered, coming to Houston and setting up shop here almost 4 years ago. Katie is very happy. She used to be isolated for the most part, but now she is learning how to be a part of a community, how to be a friend and colleague and not incidentally, she is learning to write code and next, level design. She’s gone from being a very self-absorbed young lady to someone who is a good friend and capable of participating in group work. I am so impressed.

In Houston we have gone from serving an initial crew of about 25 to more than 85 at this point, and we have room for more as we added 9000 ft.² to our premises last December. We are fortunate in our dedicated staff of technologists, artists, educators and speech language pathologists focused on life skills training. There is no place like nonPareil In this country and we are so pleased to be part of the program.

The CFO has spoiled her son at nonPareil to a ridiculous degree.

He has physically struck a neurotypical staff member, and was only suspended for 1 day. Other crew that have struck crew and threatened staff have been suspended for a week - if not expelled.

He has defecated on nonpareil property in front of other crew and assaulted some of the most impacted crew with flatulence and physical assault. A crew member more impacted than him lost bowel control in the bathroom, and was expelled - or as the management diplomatically prefer to say ‘asked to leave.’

The CFO’s son has yelled, screamed, cussed at, bear false witness against, and said ‘I hate you’ to both neurotypical and crew staff and volunteers alike. Other crew would be sent home immediately or have a parent talk for less disruptive antics.
frequently
When staff would notify management, the former and current CEO would lecture the staff more than the CFO’s son. The issue was money. Too bad I didn’t have a family member on the board, or maybe I could act like a self-absorbed prince too! Then I could benefit from nepotism first-hand.

I witnessed many crew that were as impacted as the CFO’s son - if not more so, and do things not half as bad on their worst day. They were severely punished. Then you have someone doing what could get other crew arrested, and he gets the proverbial slap on the wrist.

One of the worst cases of all was when another crew member who was devoid of just about any real friends threw a fit over an emotional episode, and was suspended for 2 weeks. He didn’t even assault anyone. He has an unsupportive family. He was among those who needed nonpareil the most. They gave him penalties that they should have given the CFO’s son; but now he’s going nowhere in life.

The son has gone increasingly absent from activity in the Plano office in recent years. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him working with dedication on something without guidance. That doesn’t sound like much progress to me. You would think that with such influence, and proclivity to indulge, the CFO would be able to manipulate the company to steering her son towards more productivity.

There have been several female crew members, who were energetic to be part of the nonpareil program and made an effort to diligently learn and work on self improvement daily. Although they did antagonize others, as the son of the CFO does regularly, they were reprimanded and punished in a much greater degree in comparison to the son of the CFO, who is less than apathetic, when it comes to learning new skills at nonpareil.

This is a perfect example of inequality in the workplace, plain and simple.

The supposedly “official” formal decision in 2010 by the nonpareil board to not discriminate, seems to be having little effect for these female crew members. Smoke and mirrors?

Having a sense of belonging means so much. nP Institute provides a community and an opportunity to belong and can be a great match for certain young adults. The staff is warm and caring and strives to find various ways to best support and help young adults succeed.

The transition to adulthood is hard enough but adults like my brother need advocacy and accommodations which are not as easy to come by after you graduate high school. As a college alumni, I can speak to the accommodations that were provided to former students in my class that were on the spectrum. They were only provided with notes taken by other students and had a time extension on exams. If you need tutoring, you need to be able to communicate what help you need. For many on the autism spectrum, the biggest challenge is communication. My brother tried community college and got extremely frustated when he couldn’t keep up with the class and the professor would not hold up the rest of the students to give the attention my brother needed. NonPareil is establishing a bridge to employment by offering technical training courses with a curriculum tailored to adults on the spectrum unlike any other school or university at an affordable price and focuses on marketable technology skills to improve professional development. NonPareil focuses not only on technology but also on soft skills to enable members to collaborate effectively and have confidence in job interviews. It’s a great organization that will give members an opportunity to make friends and enhance skills that can be added to a resume which will make them more employable.

nonPareil is an outstanding institute that provides a great opportunity for those diagnosed with autism. I have seen first hand how dedicated the faculty is to their students and they constantly go above and beyond what’s expected.

My brother is a crew member at the location in Orlando and the joy he has from attending nonPareil is tangible!!! He has developed skills in design in a matter of weeks that blow my mind, I already attempted to play a computer game he developed and it was one of the most challenging and engaging computer games I’ve ever played. nonPareil provides not only a place for those that have been cast out from the world to develop their skills in technology and creativity, it also gives them a family and is run by people who truly care about each student. I’m very thankful to have something like this for adults on the spectrum!

I have been a supporter and doner of non-Pareil for a very long time and cannot say enough about the wondeful work they do. Their tireless work and commitment to what they do is outstanding! It is hard to imagine a world without a place like this that provides so much genuine support, care and opportunites to the these wonderful indiviuals on the spectrum! Providing them a place they can truly grow and learn. No wonder they are so loved and appreciated by so many across the country!

Look beyond the 5 star reviews...

The President/CEO has carried on a quiet campaign to gut the technology component and staff while still selling the programs to donors and parents as nothing has changed. While it is true that the games have not sold and little revenue is seen for sales, the blame can rest solely on him for not getting any marketing or serious development people in the right places. Fundraising has been an abysmal failure at every turn, as competing programs like My Possibilities and 29 acres has rocketed passed nonPareil in the last few years. No one of real depth has been hired to seriously push the program. This no doubt has a purpose. He wants no one there to question how scripted and stupid his approach is. He is bereft of any ability to manage a schedule much less the staff around him who he antagonizes to belligerence on a daily basis.

This same President/CEO is currently in the middle of a complete staff turnover seeing some 15+ employees leave in the last 2 years. And what is the answer to this? Hiring those on the spectrum to replace them. This sounds great in theory and practice until you realize the real reasons why. Aspie staff are never paid competing wages with the neurotypical staff. Simply put, an aspie staff member will make on average 1/3 of the wage per hour as an equivalent neurotypical colleague. This is around $11 per hour. And it is hardly a livable wage. See the point here? They can be hired with much fanfare from parents and donors but in reality, it is only because they can be paid far less while making the company look good. Unfortunately, this is accepted because parents and Crew are desperate and naive. What is shocking is that the President/CEO is being paid nearly $170,000! This is publicly posted on the 990 form filed with the IRS and no parents say a word...they just keep writing tuition checks.

The Director of Operations, who manages the Crew and some of the day-to-day, is highly bureaucratic and incompetent, with no background in technology or business. He is petty and throttles the engagement of many Crew staff, excluding them from company Christmas parties and deceiving others leading them to believe they have a future career there. His only contribution is to be highly rehearsed and plastic, calling everyone a "subject matter expert" so as to not give away the realities of a business that is failing. But he has "skin in the game" as his son is employed with the program and is a Crew member. He apparently coerces subordinates behind the scenes to give his son more paid hours, regardless of merit.

The Chief Program Officer is hailed as a "dr" in a world of superficial degrees. He is yet another example of a failure to staff a company in desperate need of professionals to assist in the cognitive health of its clients. Do not let his slick, used car salesman demeanor belie his true intentions. He cares nothing for the Crew but only his self-advancement. He simply steals and repackages the ideas from those around him to make it appear he has anything to offer of actual value. Case in point is the ridiculous rollout of the new "program" which is based on quarters and is to be completed by the average Crew member is about 3 years. This model requires a curriculum so shallow and vapid it makes training at a McDonald's look rigorous. It has not even been completed before the new campuses came online recently. But he will run around pretending to be smart and take credit while using impressionable women who work for him to do any of his work. He is at best a low IQ womanizer with no real experience in management or psychology, aside from being a Chipotle barista...if you consider that a profession.

The technology component is quietly being phased out. It is only left to sell seats to the program and keep it open long enough to open another location with similar hopes to end in dashed dreams and manufactured false success. There is little doubt the games and digital releases will grind to a halt. Those who worked there who cared have all left or been run out. The board has been seeded with sycophants who will vote in lock step with the President/CEO's agenda. And that has one end: make those in in corporate a good living --- it was never about autism.

Game Over.

Our son started at Houston nonPareil in 2016. The staff was so warm and inviting and fun for him that he quickly felt part of a family. This is what we saw: His conversation increased; he insisted on attending every day; he made friends; he started talking to us more; he started talking to EVERYONE more, asking questions. Staff challenged him to be more organized and to participate. He felt safe and cared for. The staff is continually working on the program, adding new classes and groups and clubs. This is beyond anything we could have asked for or imagined. We thank God for nonPareil.

Do you want to know the truth? Maybe you haven’t found other options, so you need to believe in the facade. If you really want to know the truth, look behind the curtain. Yes, it appears to be a place of hope for adults on the autism spectrum. However, after 7 years of teaching, project-managing, leading, mentoring, and advocating for the crew, I decided to leave the company after my eyes were opened to oppressive, self-serving, and dishonest behavior from leaders who refused to listen to anyone who challenged their decisions. Do you think it’s okay to exclude the Aspie staff from getting the button-down company shirts and name badges that all other staff members received? What about excluding them from weekly staff meetings? Should neurotypical staff be the only ones invited to company staff parties? Surely, a company claiming to “Build Better Futures for Adults on the Autism Spectrum” wouldn’t do these things! Oh, but they did!! Imagine the 2017 Staff Christmas Party held on-site during business hours, where only neurotypicals were invited. While the party was occurring in the Mos Eisley room, our Aspie colleagues could see us through the window! It broke my heart!!! Unfortunately, because the current CEO and his followers detested anyone who challenged their thinking, I had to be very careful until I found another job. If I had been financially secure, I would have quit on the spot! To be clear, prior to the party when I saw the email with the names of my Aspie colleagues missing, I approached the person responsible for taking menu orders. She emailed the Director of Operations to ask if they should be included, but he replied, “No, they are getting gift cards.” What?!!! Why are they being treated less than the neurotypical staff?!! In mid-January, after one of the excluded staff members shared his deep disappointment regarding all of the ways they were treated inferiorly, did I decide to risk losing my job. On 1/19/18 I spoke to the Director of Operations about the injustice and unrighteousness. When he tried to say that it was my responsibility to speak up prior to the party, I let him know that I not only did that, but that I also read his response denying them access to the party. (He knew that I was documenting everything.) The next day, I learned from my Aspie colleague that the Director of Operations apologized to him and the others and told them that the company would order shirts and name badges and start including them in the meetings. Why the sudden change??? You decide. Maybe the Director of Operations knew that nP was at-risk for lawsuits, or at least public outrage. As for me, having felt betrayed by those who present nothing more than a façade, I moved on to a positive work environment, while remaining in touch with some crew and colleagues. I can only imagine how those on the autism spectrum must feel. Do you think they feel valued and respected? Are they limited by a glass ceiling?

Additional questions should be asked about the integrity of the information provided to families. On the surface, Nonpareil appears successful, because presenting a positive spin on the data is what the Chief Program Officer is good at…not making meaningful connections with the crew or being an autism expert immediately after earning his degree. Maybe there are a lot of employment hours and reported success in terms of those who move on to college, other training, or jobs. However, if you separate the hours of the few full-time staff from part-time, and review the average number of hours for part-time employees, you will see a clearer story. Also, you need to understand that those part-timers continue to pay the full tuition, while the full-timers earn ridiculously low salaries. Even one autistic member of staff with a Masters in Computer Science was hired to work at nP at a salary that is near-impossible to support oneself…and that was 25% more than the former CEO wanted to offer, all while he and the current CEO were making big money! In my shock and dismay, I advocated for the higher pay, which was still way too low! After working there several years, he left nP for a position that earned several times the pay he was still making at nP. While Nonpareil may claim this as their program success, this autistic member of staff was never part of the crew. Not only that, drastically underpaying someone who has very marketable skills while filling executives’ pockets should never be considered success! It’s plain wrong!!

Further questions regarding the numbers which appear to indicate program success involve claiming success in situations where there was no real success. Apparently, the Chief Program Officer decided to count a success when a crew member left the program to either attend school or training, or to get a job, regardless of the job and regardless of the level of satisfaction of the crew member and family. For example, it was announced a success when someone returned to his part-time job at a fast-food restaurant after a couple of years in the technical program. Is that the kind of success that families are seeking? Another crew member who put forth very little effort during his 3+ years in the program left Nonpareil. When I asked him if he learned anything at Nonpareil, he said, “Yes! I’m now able to get a job that I’m too lazy to do!” (Yikes!) At the next staff meeting when it was announced that he was leaving, we were told that it was a success because he was leaving to go to culinary school. Really??! Ultimately, the numbers presented don't reveal the true story.

Throughout my years at Nonpareil, I spoke to the former CEO about the way the current CEO sold the program to families and set inaccurate expectations. It seemed as though he’d do anything to get money in the door. Then, when crew members and their parents became dissatisfied because their expectations weren’t being met, he’d point to the technical leaders who worked day in and day out with limited resources. It’s a shame that people have been misled! They need hope so they believe, until they realize the truth. Sometimes, the truth is hard and painful and requires change, but it’s better than living in a fantasy.

Notice that a number of the people writing positive reviews to this website are Board members, even though they all don’t identify themselves that way. I wonder if they know the truth about the leaders? Do they care? When I met with the Chairman of the Board before I left, I suggested that he reach out to former employees to ask what caused them to leave and what they thought of both the former CEO and the current CEO. As far as I know, he never did, but instead wanted to believe that everyone had the right heart. Hmmm? Maybe that’s what he wanted to believe. Maybe that's easier than dealing with the hard truth. I wonder what his son who is on the autism spectrum, but not part of Nonpareil, would think about the information I’m sharing. Would he care? Does anyone care???

I should’ve written this review sooner, but I was weary when I left that toxic place. Even though it would’ve been easier to simply walk away, I truly care about the autistic adults that I served for so long. I want them to have a voice…a real voice. Today, I’m speaking up for them, while risking backlash from the current CEO and his followers. If #ProgrammingHope or #DallasNews or one of the other news outlets would do a follow-up of their programs/articles and speak privately to individuals, the autistic adults could be heard. Do you want to know the truth? Do you care?

This is a story of stonewalling, discrimination, and nepotism.

I had previous experience that would have made me a leading candidate for lab or social room attendant duties. The leadership would have known that to some degree and never really approached me on their own accord until a certain time after "the pivot."

The Director of Operations at the Plano location asked me about whether I'd like to have some attendant hours. This happened close to the turnover of quite a few hired crew left the company. It was uncharacteristic of the Director to ask crew in person the way he did with me. Through gently questioning him, I read between the lines that they were in fairly big need of attendants. This is a unique problem given the many crew that would actively seek such a position.

After some thought, I confirmed my interest with this Director. He told me to contact someone who was at the time part of Program Engagement.

That's where the trouble began...

The young lady that I was instructed to contact was praised by another female member of Program Engagement in front of crew instructors as "great at getting back to people" or "often takes no more than a day." That wasn't exactly the case with me. If anything, I WAS the one who would be prompt with following up as I currently don't recall a single time (if she emailed me) that I didn't get back to her within a day or two. In contrast, she would frequently take from the better part of a week to roughly 2 1/2 weeks to respond to my emails! Our exchange was all regarding her progress on getting me paid attendant hours. And believe me, those on the spectrum typically don't get paid a lot here! It ended just 20 minutes before the day that the office would be closed for a holiday break. She talked about how there was nothing available and would "let me know" soon (she never did).

Since then, the young woman has left the company to work at another company that works with people who are on the spectrum. It is to my understanding that the difference between her starting pay at this new company and her ending pay at nonpareil institute is beyond what many paid crew make in a year (myself included)! The son of the Director of Operations has comfortably over 12 paid hours as an attendant per week. I later hear from my assigned advisor that the Director of Operations claimed (behind my back) that I didn't get those hours because "he took too long to email the Program Engagement contact back." I've never even been told how soon to email someone, yet I'm better with autism at emailing this woman back than she is despite her education and being neurotypical. I sincerely doubt this woman would be so late in responding to the Director, the CPO, or the CEO/President. If she ever has, then I would imagine she'd be talked to. Why am I punished and she's basically put in connection with a better, higher-paying job?!

That's stonewalling and nepotism.

The Director never told me these things and I have no knowledge if he even read the email exchange. Why didn't the Director confirm who took too long to get back to who? Logically there's a handful of things that happened. 2 of them is that either the former employee or the Director lied about me. In one of them, the Director slanders me. In another, the Director shows his incompetence in fact-checking. Or perhaps if an attractive neurotypical female tells him of alleged incompetence that it's damning enough where he figures the autistic staff member's word is not worth hearing.

That's called discrimination.

I have been involved with nonPareil for the last 6 years both promoting the games developed by the crew and donating to the program. A close friend in the Special Needs program with Frisco Independent Schools introduced me to nonPareil. Her passion for the program ignited my own. There are many challenges for adults with autism once the support from public school ends, not the least is how to ensure they continue to grow and develop. My son with autism, has helped shape my understanding and desire to be involved with this program. nonPareil is not for all adults on the spectrum, and my son is not enrolled in the program, but he does support the objectives and goals. nonPareils’ program is designed to develop both commercially - viable technical skills and social skills. I am proud to be part of the team that is attempting to fill a significant vacuum in the community.

I was a crew member there for several years. During this time the President - now President & CEO - would ask me to do a variety of interpersonal tasks and jobs because of my relatively high social aptitude compared to many other crew members. With at least one of them, he clearly said that he would talk about paying me eventually - a talk that never came.

When crew members would complain, the President would give me very little guidance and constructive feedback, instead reporting to my parents - the main source of support. I felt like he was essentially blaming me for the very things he was telling me to do. When I would report to him, it would frequently take weeks for him to follow back with me. When I would ask him for what rules he wants put in place, he would say, "we'll take care of that soon" or something to that effect. It was very disenchanting for me to basically "play the bad cop" with crew that saw me more as a peer than an authority figure when the President would pay me little mind and no money.

Meanwhile, I continued to pay tuition (without discount) while working for free (frequently over 2 dozen hours a week) - having to rely on neurotypical staff already well-laden with their own burdens and dealing with the same headaches that the President has been historically guilty of causing. The tasks that he delegated to me greatly cut into my time that I could have spent focused on the technical skills I paid for and get my tuition money’s worth. My "job" - unlike being an instructor - didn't have any formal class, and I had to mostly teach myself how to handle many of the interpersonal tasks.

I honestly lost track of the hours I was never financially compensated for long ago...

From what I’ve heard, the new Director of the Plano office allegedly won’t let crew members work hours beyond what they’re paid to avoid some type of complaints for a government-run labor board. He was hired by the President (who is now also the CEO). I don’t quite understand why it was okay to allow unpaid hours from so many crew in years past; but now recently they suddenly worry about such complaints damaging the company?! The same President has been in position both before and after this was put in place.

This same President has been a part of nonpareil since they started hiring those on the autistic spectrum. The same President has also witnessed at least several crew members work more hours than they're paid while allowing to perpetuate the message that they'll one day "make more money" or "get more hours" at the company. The same President who has "stacked the deck in his favor" by filing the company's board with people he was either friends with before nonpareil, knew, or made deals with (that the former CEO allegedly hasn't). The same President who now has even more power with the former CEO and original neuro typical staff gone. The same President who replaced these ex-employees with relatively technology-illiterate sycophants taking their place. The same President who witnessed - and is far from innocent - of all these misfortunes (thus sharing responsibility and blame whether he'd like to or not). He knew they were going on and he had the lion’s share of power! The same President who points the finger at everyone else as the problem and never facing the "man in the mirror."

That same President now allows his Director to keep "the poor little aspies" from burdening themselves because "we care and we love you." I've lost track of how many times he's said, "I love you" and "I care about you" to someone he's lied to, broken promises with, and otherwise backstabbed. Perhaps he really just cares about the mass of quiet anger directed at the company he leads?! This man is indeed a parasitic charlatan!

Where was the concern for crew working extra hours for free years ago?! I guess maybe I should go to a government-run labor board then!

As a parent volunteer, I was fortunate enough to see first hand how this growing nonprofit loves on the young men and women they kindly call, "the crew." The amount of effort and compassion the staff deliver each and every day is astonishing. My son attends this amazing organization and was hired on as a part-time instructor. Dealing with autism as a parent is exhausting, but this staff go above and beyond every day for almost 220 individuals. My hat is off to nonPareil Institute!

I've been involved with nonPareil for five years, first as a donor, then volunteer, and now board member. I have great admiration for the people in this organization. They are committed to their mission "to build better futures for adults with autism". NonPareil's staff continues to learn, improve, and innovate while pursuing this mission. As they expand to new cities this year and in future years, I have no doubt their success will continue and grow, and they will help thousands of adults with autism reach their full potential.

The Chief Program Officer of nonpareil arrived very drunk and carrying a pack of beer, to one of nonPareil’s live improv performances.
These performances are hosted by the “Stomping Grounds Comedy Theatre”.
The theatre’s alcohol policy is BYOB, which is featured in the theatre’s “Buzzed: interactive Improv” show, which was held on March 16, 2019.

The show put on by nonpareil has performers on the Autism Spectrum, who are students of nonPareil.
It is not appropriate for the CPO to be drunk when he is at a nonPareil event with students.

Our son attends nonPareil and learns not just a variety of technical skills, but also how to work in a team, how to communicate with others, time-management, and all those other soft-skills that employers expect. I'm aware of numerous student employment success stories, it just takes longer to get them there. The instructors and staff are amazing with their long hours, patience, and dedication. The gaming focus of the Institute is key because it motivates students, and without motivation, no learning takes place.

The nonpareil institute in Plano has taken a Major Turn for the Worse...
It is very scary to think that it is the same place I enrolled my son, almost 8 years ago. From the very beginning he was super excited to be apart of the nonpareil institute and to get to make video games. As a parent, I thought the nonpareil institute was the place for him to have a successful adult life. He always did exceptionally well in school, but college was turning out to be too challenging to navigate.
Intelligence was not the issue, so I thought the nonpareil institute was the answer.
I was correct for many years.
In early 2018, there was a mandatory parent meeting. At this meeting one of the dads who started nonpareil, who is now the Ceo and President, said there was going to be a “pivot”. He also introduced the new Chief Program Officer. They both spoke of a coming change, but didn’t really say what that change would be. This “pivot” is what was probably the beginning of the end for my son’s time at the nonpareil institute.
He did great for many years learning and working with the past Art Director, past Head Level Designer, and past Programming Technical Director, whom all got forced out of the nonpareil institute, because of this “pivot”. He worked on multiple games and apps under their guidance. This gave him the confidence and the ability to make games, which was his dream. He called them the A-Team because they were like super heroes to him.

The past year has been very difficult for my son at the nonpareil institute.
Without the A-Team, he feels abandoned and constantly overlooked.
He asks for tasks to work on and to be included in projects, which are very similar tasks to those the Head Level Designer and the Programming Technical Director had assigned him previously.
On several occasions my son was told by one of the a game project leaders that they would love his help, as he is very capable in a couple of game making disciplines.
Then, unfortunately the next day the Director of Operations approached and informed him that he wasn’t permitted to work on the project, without providing an an explanation to my son.
So after a month of my son coming home emotionally wounded, I met with the President/Ceo and the Director of Operations.
They told me my son needed to move to a beginners course, which he had already taken years ago successfully. They did not really give my son or myself a choice, so I convinced him to give it a try. At my urging he has been trying the course for months now, but is bored by the lack of being challenged and he feels unwanted by the current staff.
Everyday he begs me to let him quit going to the nonpareil institute.
Sadly, I am at wits end with the nonpareil institute in Plano and I’m about to give him his wish.
My family used to love to tell everyone about the nonpareil institute.
Although, really we should have been telling everyone how much of a blessing the A-Team was for my son. Now they are gone and all of the joy and meaning for my son at the nonpareil institute left with them.

I volunteered in the social room of Nonpareil one summer. I have also participated in the fundraiser golf tournament and other Nonpareil events. I became emotionally connected to the beautiful goals and missions of Nonpareil. The purpose of providing gainful employment and a positive experience for adults on the autism spectrum is important and something that I wanted to contribute to in any way that I could. While following the non-profit as well as my observations of the actual day to day operations, I became disillusioned with the supposedly world changing company. Nonpareil publicly speaks encouragingly about the great abilities of adults on the autism spectrum and how they can find success by enrolling in Nonpareil. Nonpareil marketed the company as a place that would teach adults on the autism spectrum to work on projects as programmers, designers, writers, artists, 3D modelers and more. I saw firsthand the amazing abilities of these adults with special needs. I also saw their desire to work, produce, help one another, and broaden their social skills. Unfortunately, instead of these adults being engaged, encouraged, and given opportunities matching their capabilities, Nonpareil, too often, limited these talented young adults on the spectrum by denying their requests for learning new skills and working. In addition, Nonpareil used the social room as a place to keep the lower functioning autistic adults from disturbing the people Nonpareil deemed as more capable and worth investing time in. The social room could have been used as a place to build social skills and confidence in their social interactions, however there was nobody qualified to help with social skills. Instead, the main goal was to facilitate video game playing and avoid any major disturbances. So many more of these adults could contribute so much more if Nonpareil gave them the chance. What I do not understand is that I thought it was Nonpareil's mission to teach, encourage, and employ these adults on the autism spectrum by giving them a future. Unfortunately, Nonpareil is completely failing them. I would love to see the executives at Nonpareil help these talented adults on the autism spectrum and provide the employment that they need and deserve. I am hopeful for this to happen someday, but a change in leadership and operations is necessary.

The Executives at nonPareil are motivated by money and donations, helping adults on the autism spectrum is not their priority.

While having a close working relationship with the CEO, the CEO often casually said disconcerting remarks, which countered his fidelity to nonPareil and it’s mission statement.
For example, the CEO and I walked past a crew member, who routinely exhibited demeaning and insulting behavior to the other crew members. Several, crew members cried as a result of an interaction with this crew member. Historically, this behavior at nonPareil is not tolerated and can ultimately end in “expulsion”. The CEO proceeded to tell me,”‘this crew member’ has an elderly relative, who is going to eventually give nonPareil a very large donation.”. Intimating that, even though this crew member is problematic, we have to keep him here so we can get the “large donation”.

Also, The CEO once told me, “I bought myself this new sports car and I am going to give my son, who just learned to drive, my previous sports car.” Then following up by saying,
“nonPareil’s Board thought the CEO and The President were doing a good job, so they gave us raises this year.”

This is greatly contrasted by nonPareil’s lack of employment of and equal financial compensation for those who are on the Autism Spectrum. At the time of the CEO’s and President’s raises there were 150 crew members in total. Only 4 were full time employees and about 10 were part time employees.
The CEO and President motivate the crew, by the promise of a “job”. The expectation was, you have to work consistently 15+ hours a week without pay, in order to prove yourself. The length of time it takes to “prove yourself” could be anywhere from next month to its 4 years later and the executives are still promising them that “job”.
Also, the hourly wage is $10, regardless of the Autistic employees tasks. For the many highly skilled crew members, who want to become a full time employee, the CEO and President have told them individually and as a group that they definitely would love to hire them but nonPareil doesn’t have the money to.
All the while the CEO and President expect the crew to put in a full work week, if they want to eventually become a full time employee.
There are several part time employees at nonPareil, who have been consistently working 40+ hour weeks, since 2012.
That means they make $150 a week, working full time job hours. The resulting total yearly income adjusted for nonPareil breaks, would be about $6,900, which would equate to $3.5 per hour for a part time employee, who puts in the expected hours, based on the workload and assigned tasks.
Who is really making the money at a nonprofit for Autistic Adults to find employment?

The Past CEO and and the Current President/CEO Co-Founders are extremely manipulative and unabashedly discriminate against the LGBTQ community.

Being privy to closed door conversations, I was told two abhorrent things by the CEO.

1. They tried to rehabilitate an Autistic Transgender woman, but “He” wasn’t willing to let them “mentor him”, so they would not hire “him”. But, the CEO said this Transgender Woman is now a member of a dangerous and powerful community, so we have to be very careful about how we handle homosexuals, because he might catch wind of it.

2. The CEO spoke to me and The Chief Technology Officer, about an openly gay computer programmer on the Autism Spectrum at nonPareil. The CEO said “We cannot make him leave but we can make him want to leave so it is his idea.”

This is 100% the discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.

They are not who they say they are. They literally put garbage into crew members (the ones on the spectrum) and just walk away. They treat them as if they don’t have a brain and the management is so poor. nP could have been something, something big, but they are doing everything wrong. They underpay all the staff, spectrum and neurotypical, and hide it in between the lines in the books. There is also a huge discrimination issue at nP. They underestimate the crew and they treat them like toddlers. nP corporate staff do not treat the crew like equals.

The nonPareil Institute does an amazing job of creating an empathetic, growth-focused environment where individual differences and strengths are celebrated and built upon.

Such an incredible non profit that provides such a unique experience to adults with ASD. It is so clear that everyone involved is dedicated and truly loves what they do.

My son has attended nonPareil for almost five years. In that time his skills as a digital artist have increased significantly, but even more importantly, his soft-skills and ability to work with other Crew members, Staff members, and everyone that he comes in contact with has seen a dramatic and positive increase. He has gained an increased sense of responsibility and self-worth. He works and trains with amazing Staff and has built a circle of friends with similar interests.

Our son loves coming to "work" at nonPareil Institute. He gets up early everyday and even showers! He has found his place!

Our son has found such a great community of friends and feels very accepted.

My adult son has Asperger's Syndrome and enjoys working in an environment that is accepting and flexible to his needs. I have great gratitude for nPI.

My son who is on the Autism Spectrum has been a Crew Member at nonPareil since February 2014. non Pareil has done wonders for my son, he has opened up, taken more responsibility for his daily life and handling situations presented to him. Not to mention the computer, writing and life skills training he is receiving. The crew and staff at nonPareil are top notch in their daily dealings with the Crew Members!

My son is not only learning skills to help him obtain employment, he is learning life skills. He has gained confidence in himself. He has participated in career building exercises, social events, and social skills building. When we didn't know where to go for him, we found nonPareil, and it has been a very good fit for him. They understand adults on the autism spectrum and accept him for who he is. The computer skills he is learning will help him get a full time job that can use his potential.

Our family has years of experience with nonPareil. It is a wonderful organization that assists people on the autism spectrum develop technical skills. But beyond that the environment allows friendships that are the real treasure.

nonPareil has changed my son's life. I am SO grateful for the caring staff and volunteers. He now has friends, feels involved in the community and has a place that feels like 'home'. Keep growing and positively changing lives of more people with autism, nonPareil!

My son has been attending NonPareil for almost a year and absolutely loves it! The staff and administrators are nothing short of amazing! You can see they have a genuine love and concern for the Crew. I have been quite impressed with all the knowledge my son has learned and he enjoys telling me all about his work (most of it goes over my head). So blessed to be apart of NonPareil.

My son has recently been accepted at nonPareil-Houston, and we are anxious for him to begin this amazing new journey in his life where he will now be able to have a promising future. After spending a couple of hours with their compassionate and understanding staff, meeting Crew members who are being taught career and social skills, and touring the facility, we knew God had answered our prayers. If other companies recognized and valued the potential that people with ASD can bring to their organizations as nonPareil does, so many others would be able to realize their potential. Knowing that my son will spend his days learning in a place where people care about each other, understand that it is OK to be different, dreams are fulfilled, and your individual talents are recognized and valued, is so much more that we could have ever believed possible.

nonPareil is an amazing organization with truly caring people. Our son has been at the Houston location since it opened. We have seen tremendous growth in him in his time there. Besides the technical curriculum they also have classes on the "soft skills" the crew members need in the real world. Feel truly blessed to be involved with this wonderful organization.

My son has been at nonPariel for about 1 1/2 years. In that time, he has gone from spending most of his time playing video games to becoming involved with creating video games. He has gotten more than just video building skills, he has friends now for the first time in his life at the age of 27. He was hopeless and depressed before nonPariel. Now he sees a future and is learning more about himself and his abilities. Before nonPariel, I was told he was lazy and unmotivated. He now gets himself ready and to nonPariel for his classes on his own. He is developing skills he never would have been able to do without the guidance and understanding of the staff at nonPariel. They understand my son and how autism effects each student.
I have not, in my son's life, seen him so happy and welcomed. The staff at nonPariel are dedicated and focused on giving these very talented but misunderstood young men and women a family and a future.
My son is blossoming here! I don't know where we would be if not for nonPareil. This organization is in a class by itself. My wish would be for each autistic to experience nonPariel and the growth that comes with these caring folks.
They have provided technical skills, social skills and how to handle the work place environment. My son has decided to go with the artistic side to video game building, and has grown his blossoming talent. Others can go into coding, so the program is individualized.
NonPariel has been a life saver and future giver to my son and our family.

Non Pareil Houston is doing an awesome job with adults on the autism spectrum. They provide a safe place where these amazing individuals can receive training for computer related jobs.

Can't say enough good things about NonPareil Institute - an organization that truly understands the needs and requirements of young adults with autism spectrum disorders. They have taught my son valuable work, social and life skills that will enable him to become a productive and independent member of society. Because of NonPareil's unique and enriching environment, my son's confidence has soared and he feels proud of his achievements there and the daily contributions he is able to make to the nP community.

When we were unexpectedly transferred to Dallas, we didn't how our 20 year son, Chris, would adapt. Chris has Aspergers and had a lifetime of routines and friends at home that were suddenly displaced. He spent his first few months playing video games, literally, all the time. Then we found Non Pareil. Wow! We knew it was right the moment we walked in and started talking to the staff. Chris joined and has been a member for over 2 years now. He has blossomed! He has a sense of belonging he never had before. He feels needed. He's learning new things because he works with a team on planning, building, testing new games and concepts. He has a part time job, new friends, and can't wait to go to Non Pareil in the morning. We love this organization!

My son is 19 and autistic. He's very smart, and graduated HS but the question becomes - now what? For parents of special needs kids, a constant fear is "what will happen when we are gone?" Praise God for Gary Moore and Dan Selec having the same thoughts, but caring enough to create nonPareil! This is an incredible opportunity for 18 and older people on the spectrum to learn game development, and also acquire social and life skills. For us, Plano was a bit too far - BUT we are now heavily involved in the efforts to expand nP into Austin!!

My daughter began attending nonPareil almost 3 years ago. She has benefitted greatly from the kind instruction of the staff and from the skill building that has taken place. She has actually created a game that has been a great source of pleasure and appears to have market potential. She is now engaging more fully in social relationships and has greatly benefitted from a social skills group that she attends. My husband and I could not be more pleased as we have seen her confidence grow as a result of learning to use her aptitudes. nonPareil is a unique place for young adults who need a unique approach in order to thrive.

nonPareil Institute is a remarkable program that benefits a population of the community that is vastly underserved. They have a vision for the future to help these individuals succeed and thrive! nonpareil helps people on the autism spectrum with work skills, social skills and gives them a sense of belonging. We are so grateful to the staff at nonpareil for the work that they do!

This is just what our son NEEDED! He is 23 year old HFA and smart, yet never fit in until now. He has blossomed and continues to improve in every area of life. The instructors and those working with the crew are AWESOME! They work tirelessly and have a very hard job that is paying off in big dividends for our family and others. Please support this program so more young adults will have a place to learn and thrive!

Our son is 22 with HFA. nonPareil gives him a place to fit in, to interact with others, to LEARN how to work in a team. He has been a crew member for several years and has almost completed the programming courses, so we are excited to see how he does when he is able to join a Team Game Project. The vision of harnessing and highlighting these young peoples' talents, while providing training and life skills, is just awesome.

My neighbor attends nonpareil and loves it. She has a place to go to work and non be judged. I think it's just awesome.

What an outstanding team of compassionate people! Gary and Dan have created something I don't believe anyone could have envisioned before non-Pareil. They have created solutions to an enormous question, they have created a safe haven and atmosphere for these wonderfully gifted people to work and grow and build self esteem and I'm sure overwhelming sense of accomplishment, they have created hope. It has been a long journey for you all I'm sure but what an amazing thing you are doing!

My son has been a crew member for 3 years! He has grown so much and feels accepted and comfortable here! His Thanksgiving comment this year was "I am thankful for nonPareil for helping me with my autism!" First time we heard him say he had autism!!

Within the first few minutes of sitting in a movie theater in Lubbock, Texas watching "Programming Hope," I had no doubt that nonPareil was a game-changer. Two men with a vision and the determination to provide a life for their sons on the autism spectrum, with the help of an incredible staff, have found an innovative way to address the question that all parents eventually ask regarding their kids with autism: "What happens after high school?" While this technology company trains its crew members in the skills necessary to develop games and apps, there is so much more below the surface that I had to see for myself to believe. When walking through the halls of nonPareil, I saw individuals with autism interacting, socializing with their peers, smiling, laughing, and just generally loving life! The supportive environment and staff at nP, coupled with freedom from the anxiety of "not being like everyone else" has allowed those who attend to thrive not only academically but also socially. Crew members not only gain skills useful for meaningful employment, but they learn the skills necessary for a fulfilling LIFE. Speaking as a professional in the field working with individuals with Autism, as well as a parent to a child on the spectrum, nonPareil is truly changing lives. While I have always seen great potential in my son and in all of the individuals that I serve, I can now say that the future is looking so much brighter with nonPareil on the horizon. Thank you, Gary and Dan, for stepping out in faith to make the vision of so many a reality.

My son currently attends Nonpareil Institute. For the first time ever, he loves learning. Recently, he was ill and had to miss class. For the first time ever, he was upset about missing school! He desperately wanted to attend his classes! As his mom, it made my heart so happy that he has found his educational home. The program at Nonpareil has been a blessing for our whole family. The staff is a blessing! The communication, the care, the concern, and the overwhelming support makes this the best environment for our son and for us. Nonpareil is the BEST!! We are thankful to have found them.
The curriculum is fantastic. Our son loves the classes and the one-on-one connections and instruction. He has learned so much and talks about it constantly. It is fantastic!!!

My son has been a crew member at nonPareil for a year and a half. It's an awesome program, and we are grateful for the caring staff and crew. We feel very blessed for him to have this opportunity to learn, grow, and work with others who accept him for the unique person that he is and who respect the talents that he has. As far as we are concerned, individuals "On the Spectrum" do not have a disability; they a DIFFERENT Ability. It's been a blessing to be a part of an organization that embraces these differences.

This is an amazing educational institution that takes care of providing individualized instruction to a group of special and talented people. Really world-class with no equal. My daughter is part of that group and I'm proud of it!

I have been attending the Essentials program at nonPareil for several months. I enjoy being with such wonderful people. There is no place I would rather be. All the other places I have been to weren't the best placement for me. Before nonPareil, I felt as though people didn't understand me, so I tried isolating myself and it didn't work like I thought it would. I had a lot of trust issues, but then nonPareil helped me get over those issues. I now have a group of people I can trust. I still have trust issues, but I trust the people at nonPareil more than anyone else, the reason why is that we're all in the same community and we should all trust each other, that is what I believe in. Out of all the programs I've been to, this one is the most unique. I'd say this program is recommendable to any of my friends as long as they're willing to go. However, I do realize that nonPareil's not the best place for everybody, but it is the best place for people like me. NonPareil is the first organization I've been to that impacted my life in a positive way, because had I not found nonPareil, nothing would have ever changed for me. I would've been stuck going to the same old boring programs every day and keep getting kicked out at the same time. With nonPareil, I know I won't get kicked out because we're all on the same side, and that's what matters most when it comes to building the future.

October marks the end of my son's fourth year at nonPareil. He is teaching 3D graphics programming and studying animation, and is coding video games. His life has changed and so has he. nonPareil took him in when he was afraid for his future, and paralyzed by that fear. Most of us with children on the spectrum know exactly what I mean. When we visited nonPareil he said very little, but when we got home he started packing up his things. He had not been accepted into the program yet. I asked him what he was doing, and he said "I'm going there." "There" was 1500 miles from our home in Pa. He suffered through the next two months, waiting in desperate hope for the call from Gary to tell him there was room for him now. He was ready to leave. He hadn't unpacked. Gary had told him he was going to be a member of the crew, and my son believed that he would keep his word. and Gary followed through. My son was 25 at the time. nonPareil is the answer to prayers yet unsaid, and to men and women without hope who will find that there is a place for them there, and quite possibly in the outside world as the crew members continue to grow and become . Love works miracles. Send them your love, your prayers and every extra dime you have. My child and all the crew are proving that nonPareil is also working miracles.

Our son is a "crew member" here. nonPareil provides a place to learn technical as well as social skills for a unique group of young adults who are very bright but struggle to fit in or succeed, otherwise.

What a blessing for our family!! My son with autism has a wonderful place to attend after high school to further improve his skills. Many thanks to the great staff at nonPareil!!

My name is Keith Black, my son Alexander has Aspergers and goes to nonPareil. nonPareil is like no other place that we've have ever seen for young adults on the autistic spectrum. Dan Selec and Gary Moore have hearts of gold and an amazing ability to work with and relate to the students at many different levels of autistic impact. It is wonderful how they treat the "crew" members with such respect and truly see the intelligence and potential in each and every member. I challenge anyone reading this to try and find anything like this organization, it really is nonpareil.

Hi, this is Chloe, I am diagnosed with autism, I am unable to find a job, so I go to nonPareil four days per week and thank GOD, this program has changed my life and giving me a future.

Totally an AWESOME PLACE!!! We just moved to Texas from PA three months ago. Our son has attended Nonpareil Institute for about a month now and he absolutely LOVES IT!! It was so hard looking at what is going to come next with transitioning him out of high school and into the world. My husband came across an email at work that talked about Nonpareil and he shared it with me. We were currently living in PA and didn't know what would be best for our son with work/career choices. We knew he LOVED to do video games but where we lived at, there wasn't anywhere for him to grow that love of gaming where with his disabilities could thrive and succeed. When I decided to email and just inquire about Nonpareil I found out that they had a waiting list that was very long! With my husbands job constantly taking him to Texas at least monthly, we thought that we would someday consider possibly the move to Texas. We made an appointment with Nonpareil because we knew that we would be coming out to just look around at the area. After they had spoken with my son and myself for a bit they then had him try out a mock lesson. Let me tell you...When I opened that door to the office to meet them back at after his mock lesson and saw the ENORMOUS smile on his face, I was basically in tears. He LOVED the mock lesson so much and they said he did very well at it too! He couldn't stop smiling when we were there and even an hour after we left he was STILL smiling! So needless to say that confirmed to me that we needed to move to Texas and enroll our son there. Like ASAP!!! Awesome place!! Awesome staff!! Such a Blessing to us!!!

This institute was truly an answer to many prayers for our grandson. The time had come for this young man to find his own way in the world, but how to do that without the necessary skills. At a time in life when the world should be opening, it seemed to be closing. Everyone who knows this fine young man,
tried to offer countless alternatives to the normal educational paths. And then his mother saw a local news program about nonPareil.
In every possible respect, this is the ultimate placement for him. He is offered a safe, nurturing environment where he is learning skills that he can use later in life, grow in independence and pride in his own abilities. We hope this institute can grow and offer this experience to more young adults with learning and working challenges
Cathie R.

A life changing, personal, and inspiring place to see. Take a tour and see what Dan's vision is for our adult children with Autism. We want our children to have a job, a place to live and acceptance. My child has been at NP for over a year and he is a happy person who calls going to NP his work. My son is bright, but like many autistic individuals lack social skills. Here they learn how to work as a team, and create something that makes them feel good about themselves. As a parent this is the world to me, I was so upset when he was out of school; what do I do now? My son deserves the same life as any other person and thanks to NP I know my son is at a place where he can grow, live and be part of something wonderful. Please donate to this great program; you can make the life brighter for a person who just needs a different structured enviorment, God knows it changed our lives for the better. I know my son will be fine, Thank You NP you are an answer to my prayers, God bless nonpareil.

I met Gary Moore 4 years ago when he interviewed my then 18 year old grandson with Autism. My grandson, husband and I were so impressed with nonPareil and my grandson desperately wanted to attend. Sadly his parents would not agree and moved to Florida. I am still in contact and support nP as I still hold out hope that some day my grandson will be able to attend as well as for the other young men and women. The hope and personal attention given to each student is truly inspiring and give these young people a chance at a future they would otherwise never have. nonPareil is truly a place without compare. Darlene S. Taylor-Thompson, M.D.

I was amazed at the depth of work the people at nonPareil were producing. This not a daycare posing as a workplace for persons on the Autsim spectrum. Real skills, real interactions, real cooperation are being emphasised and developed along with the software. The use of peers as trainers is genuis!

Our grandson has been a trainee at nonpareil for three years. For the past year, he has been transitioning into a teaching role as an assistant instructor; he hopes to grow in his teaching work in the future. nonpareil has offered him training and work in an area where he has competence and high interest (computer based game development). It is changing his life. He is an intelligent and sweet young man, and nonpareil is offering him a future than here-to-fore he has not had. It is a great program.

Our son has become an independent, mature, self-assured adult with high hopes for his future. At nonPareil, those on the autism spectrum are supported so that they can meet the high expectations of being a crew member. We need this organization which sees autism as an opportunity, not a handicap.

My son is on the autism spectrum. We have worked for years to find a program that will provide him with a meaningful life experience. After 18 months in another program where he assembled cardboard boxes and screwed lids on syrup bottles we had the good fortune to come across nonPareill by accident.
He is now in the initial period but enjoys the program.

Although he says it is "hard" we are very pleased that he finally is being challanged to reach new levels of knowledge. I hope others can benefit from the program as we feel we have.

My daughter Chloe is on the Autism spectrum. After high school, she's tried community colleges and volunteerEd in different organizations. But it has always been about finding things for her to do just to fill her time, but we always thought she was either not being instructed the "right" way or she was simply not being challenged intellectually. I always believed Chloe can learn just about anything if she was taught the right way. But we never found any place that can be both warm, understanding, and intellectually challenging. Until we learnt about nonPareil and was lucky enough to be offered a place.

What NonPareil offers is nothing short of life changing. Chloe is thoroughly enjoying her time spent there so much that she wants to go there even on those days that she doesn't have a lesson--- just so she can work in the computer lab on her own! She loves the instructions and she loves the entire staff.

I believe nonpareil should be in every city and in every country. There are simply no enough places for these smart but different young adults to learn and grow. We considered ourselves extremely fortunate to be able to have Chloe in there. I am praying and hoping that nonPareil gets the recognitions it deserves, and I hope it can expand to many parts in the country and in the world. This organization is truly a blessing to all it's crew members and families.

Knowing that our son was not ready for college, we were fortunate to hear about nonPareil Institute just before he graduated from high school, at a time when we were unsure of what the future held for him. He's been a crew member now for almost a year and I can say it's been one of the best things we could have hoped for him. He's very high functioning, but needed a way to channel the knowledge of the things he's passionate about (computers and video gaming) into a way to eventually make a living from it. nonPareil is giving him this instruction he needs to do this. He's always wanted to work in the video gaming industry, so hopefully the skills he's learning will allow him that opportunity one day. He loves that he's learning at his own pace, without the pressure that would be expected in college (as was his struggle all through elementary, middle and high school). I can honestly say that nonPareil has been a true Godsend for us and the vision that Gary and Dan have will ensure that those on the Autism Spectrum will be able to lead fulfilling lives and truly live up to the magnificent potential that is within each of them. I'm hoping to see all of nonPareil's expansion dreams come true. It would mean so much to so many more people. nonPareil Institute is one of the most OUTSTANDING organizations to come along in a very long time!! Thank you, Gary and Dan for being such visionaries!

My son Emnet who is 14 is on the Autism spectrum. Nonpareil give hope for my son . With the help of Nonpareil my son will be a productive. Nonpareil will be built a confidence for my son. Nonpareil help my son not to be a burden of the society. It will be great if we have a training institute in our area. (Washington DC) this is the only organization I know , It gives a positive learning place for Auistic kids.

Makeda

nonPareil understands. nonPareil cares. nonPareil is hopeful. nonPareil is needed. What a concept! A win win! Help for those who are on the Autism Spectrum that have no other resource but mindless, no or low pay work. nonPareil is allowing these deserving individuals a chance to be productive. To have a purpose. To be creative. To put their talents to use. The concept of allowing individuals to learn and work at their pace with the goal of the Team producing a product that will support their company. nonPareil's Crew will, one day, produce "The App" everyone is talking about. And nonPareil plans to open up more possible careers for those that don't lean toward technology. It's very exciting!

My 14-year old son, Ethan, and my wife’s 14-year old son, Trey, are on the autism spectrum. We just found out early last year that our son, four-year old Luke, also has autism. One out of every 68 children today has some form of autism.

Because of Ethan and Trey’s autism affliction, five years ago I worked with the co-founders, Dan Selec and Gary Moore, to start nonPareil Institute -- for training young adults with autism to work in the technology industry, specifically in developing gaming applications and gaming software -- at that time on a "campus" that consisted of Dan's breakfast nook in his home serving three students.

Since then, we have grown to over 150 students on Southern Methodist University's Plano Campus. The students have developed numerous apps for the iPhone and similar devices, and have also developed several computer games – from start to finish. And we just signed an agreement with Nintendo to develop games!

We literally have received emails from all over the world asking about the work we're doing and if we can help children all over the country and around the globe.

For more on nonPareil:

http://www.npitx.org

A profile of the amazing work being done at nonPareil Institute is featured in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of NTX Magazine (the magazine of the North Texas Commission): http://www.joomag.com/magazine/ntx-magazine-spring-summer-2014/0643373001396990159

And Family Circle last month (April is World Autism Awareness Month) did a story profiling nonPareil Institute: http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/volunteering/career-training-for-autistic-young-adults/

nP was featured in USA TODAY in September: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/28/autism-jobs-parents/2839027/#!

nP was featured on CNN in July: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjZq-oiv5uw

nP was also featured last June on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams: http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/52162262/#52162262

And, a second trailer for the documentary being made about nP has been released: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5j-3fjmuNc

nonPareil Institute is ONE OF A KIND! It is an organization where the talents of those diagnosed on the autistic spectrum can achieve their dreams. This non-profit offers a positive work and learning environment that caters to the special needs of those brilliant young adults who have been seeking an unique opportunity to take their gifts and apply them as a contribution to society. If you know someone, or are someone struggling with a young adult on the spectrum, the unfortunate realization is that after high school graduation the boundless opportunities available for the typical graduate are simply not an option for these individuals. nonPareil, like it's name, is second to none, surpassing all expectations as far as autism is concerned. The goal is to have enough support to build multiple campuses across the country. One location simply is not enough to fulfill the HUGE demand. My son has a purpose and passion for his future, which honestly, is an anomaly for most on the spectrum.

This is a great training institute for folks who are autistic. They are training and enabling a community of autistic adults to be a productive part of our society by giving them a place to learn and to build confidence in their abilities to create great applications for our smart phones and write books for our creative reading. They also offer an avenue for the adults to bring out and enhance their creativeness in a non-threatening environment. The opportunity that NonPareil is giving these adults is incredible. And the result of the work that has been created to date has been just as incredible. There is such a demand for this kind of training institute in our communities, and it's great to have one of the training centers in the Dallas area. It's also great to see them working to expand into other markets. There is such an incredible need as the autism population continues to grow for place like this. This kind of learning institute will give them the opportunity in life to help them succeed. The owners of the non-profit have done an incredible job to date and continue to look at future opportunities to grow the training center to include other interest for autistic adults that want to learn and grow a specific skill set. NonPareil certainly deserves to be known as a number one Great Nonprofit organization for the help they are giving families with autistic adults.

We love NonPareil! The work they do with adults on the austin spectrum is without equal. They not only find acceptance, but an incredible sense of accomplishment as they learn to work in a field they love. We are so anxious for our son to be accepted into this program... He is counting the days until he receives that call. My prayer is that more people hear about the amazing work they do and that they receive the funding they need to increase their availability.

NONPARIEL INSTITUTE is a great organization that gives students/adults with autism opportunities to showcase their abilities in areas of interest and learn to be contributing citizens in their communities.

I have referred adult students the the program and seen great growth and success for them.

This institute is fantastic! Their crew members are very happy there, and the staff is very involved and caring.

Since finding out about nPI about a year ago, my Son has found acceptance in a workplace setting that truly encourages his uniqueness and God given talents. Thank you, thank you for unconditionally loving these young adults and inspiring them to greatness!!! nPI values my Son as much as I do -- who could ask for more? How blessed we are to have found nPI.

My son, Christian, attends this institute. We visited in Nov. 2012, then he was accepted in Feb. 2013. We are 100% committed to this group, as they are providing trainig for autistic individuals. Founded by men who have sons affected by ASD, training is hands on/computer generated. Need more like this, and they are looking to expand, so support them with funds so we can reach more people. The need is growing exponentially!

My child struggled through school. He preferred to stay home. He did okay in school. He did not have many friends. He struggled with social interaction. Not much time for gossip or petty behavior. He loved lego's, k-nex, computer games and more computer games. College was more of a struggle. The freedom that so many of us enjoy, caused him great pain. A pretty girl, a confusing statement, unclear instructions, or anything that required more effort seemed to make my son withdraw and become very frustrated.
As a child he cleared his throat, he made bubble sounds when eating, he moaned when he got really mad and would not talk. As he got older he began to make hand gestures. The doctor wanted to slow his heart rate down. I refused.
Five years in college 3.8 gpa.....no degree....just so unhappy. Getting a job was impossible. It would take me 3 weeks to convince him he had to get a job. By the time he got the nerve to apply the job would be gone. He finally got a job at a car dealership in IT. The guy asked him if he had Aspergers up front. My son was so happy someone knew. Job went great the first 2 weeks. He was fixing computers, things that most of us don't know how to fix. Then suddenly he was told he had to work in the accountants office. He got immediate anxiety. Hephysically could not go in the door. His fear was so real. He quit and went home. He wanted to die....He came and told me life wasn't worth living!

I started looking on line for colleges for asperger's. I found schools that cost $50k to teach social skills in Florida. Then I found Non-pareil. I emailed a few questions, and this compassionate person called me back. I looked up their site, and their dream for the future. A city for asperger's where everyone can thrive and live. It seemed awesome.

I immediately booked a plane from Columbia, SC to Plano, Texas. We went. My son was hesitant at first, never being away from me much. We were showed around the school. My son saw other people like him, but all different. Another new student was introduced to him and they began to talk about Japanese art, and anemae(????) WAIT A MINUTE...MY SON IN TALKING TO SOMEONE???? A STRANGER??? HE IS SITTING ON FLOOR NOW HAVING A FLUID CONVERSATION WITHOUT FEAR? THIS WENT ON FOR OVER AN HOUR. I CRIED....first time I had ever seen him comfortably engaged with a stranger.
He looked at me and said, Mom I want to come here. You don't have to come. I can do it.

This November will be 2 years for him. My mom could not believe I would move him half way across the United States. I told her if this place was in Alaska, I would be buying him Eskimo boots.

Non-pareil has changed everyone's life from the parents to the adult. For the first time these gifted people feel productive, accepted and worth while. Asperger's people are honest, hard workers, dedicated to their tasks and glad to keep their minds challenged. They do not gossip and get lost in mainstream complaining. Great workers.

As an adult with Aspergers I am truly thankful to Dan Selec, Gary Moore, and the nonpareil Institute for accepting me 3 years ago to their wonderful program. I have benefited immeasurable amounts from the caring workplace and skills developed as a crew member. I Have become a viable programmer and have my Code in Market games such as Space Ape! (Space Ape is available for iPhone, google play, ziosk, and on the OUYA)
nonPareil has given me a purpose, helped me forged new friendships, and has enabled to have a career that I am truly passionate about!
All I know is the last 3 years would have been a bummer of ride without the nonpareil institute.
Thank G-d for the last 3 years and for my bright future with nonpareil!

p.s.

if you haven't downloaded Space Ape please download and show your support.

When you have the opportunity to meet the founders of nPi,Gary W. Moore and Dan Selec, you meet men with vision, heart and true bravery. These men have built nPi to transform the life of an individual with a difference- autism, into a confident, competent, self-sustaining SUPER HERO for themselves and for their families. nPi will change the way the world views autism. You can see the success in the eyes of the gracious students and their parents and the hugs that are so readily shared by all. To help nPi be able to serve more students via more campuses, summer programs, camps, more equipment, more visibility is not only a noble thing, but a required step for us all. nPi is Programming Hope, Healing Lives, Lifting Spirits and making a difference in the world of autism...and in the world in general. Their belief and dedication to purpose inspires my soul and I am blessed to be part of their community.

To offer hope to someone who has no future in a traditional educational setting because autism keeps him from functioning in a way that most people have difficulty dealing with has been nonPareil's greatest gift to my son. To offer practical skills in an area that my son loves in a setting that welcomes him is priceless.

Until we found nonPareil, I had doubts that there was any place for my son in this world beyond our home. But from our first visit to nonPareil, we knew Ash had found his other home. He fit in (which he never has anywhere), he felt productive (instead of frustrated and useless like he did in high school). Instead of the kick in the teeth he has been used to all his life, nonPareil is an embrace. It offers him skills that could not get in any "normal" setting. It offers him the chance to work as a team on projects that he is enthusiastic about. It offers him hope that he can have a productive life, that he IS a useful human being, that he is valued.

Will nonPareil create the next Angry Birds? Who knows. I hope so. They created Space Apes, one of my favorite games. I'd love to see their games take off in a big way so that they can expand and provide the same opportunities to legions of autisitic young adults.

I spent 3 years in depression after I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. While I now (4 years later) take pride in being autistic, it was very crushing to me at the time. I normally have a very strong immune system, but the depression weakened it enough for me to contract mononucleosis (mono), which then turned into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). I was pretty much bedridden for those 3 years.

Even now, at 23, I still suffer from CFS. I sleep more than I'm awake, and I'm constantly told by my peers and father that I don't "pull my own weight". For the first time, I finally have a job, but it's 3 hours a week and my peers still don't count it. I feel like I truly have a valid reason to feel worthless.
If it weren't for my new friends and co-workers at nonPareil Institute, I don't know where I'd be. NonPareil Institute is non-profit corporation that trains adults with autism in game development. All the training is one-on-one, there are no tests, no grades, and no deadlines. I'm judged against myself, and not anyone else. It's amazing and so freeing. I now have the strength to brush off the negative comments from my neuro-typical peers.

Sure, I have a long way to go. But now I have a path to get there. :)

nonPareil Institute has completely changed my daughter's life. Her jr. high and high school experiences were filled with nothing but social failure and she struggled with the executive functioning necessary to complete and turn in assignments. She is now a happy and thriving young adult because of the environment that nonPareil provides. She has friends for the first time, a purpose in life, and success like she has never been able to experience before. I don't have enough positive adjectives in my vocabulary to adequately describe nonPareil Institute.

I learned about nonPariel while serving on the board of The Achievement Center of Texas, another excellent non-profit caring for mobility and other types of disabled individuals. My high functioning autistic 18 year old grandson Jonathan was interviewed by Gary Moore for the nP program; my husband and I were incredibly impressed by every aspect of their approach to the students, what they had to offer, and their life changing organization. We wanted Jonathan to attend; Jonathan was over the moon in love with the program and was eager to start immediately. Regrettably his parents live in Florida and did not want him living away from home so he has been unable to attend. We still think nP is the best place for Jonathan and keep trying to convince his parents to allow him to attend. Darlene S. Taylor-Thompson, M.D.

nonPareil is a ground breaking and LIFE CHANGING organization that is working with adults with Asperger’s in order to help them build technologies to support them in the future. WhiIe working for them as the AD, I see on a daily basis the impact and overwhelming change a little affirmation and love can do for those that have been discarded by the traditional system of education and work that neurotypical adults face with general ease. We are cutting edge with our technology, which few other nonprofits can match. Our crew members are making the apps, and on every level they are responding to our challenges and are growing and maturing from them. This is how to change the world. We are doing it one crew member at a time.

My high functioning autistic son attends nonpareil. He has a BS in computer science but was paralyzed with the idea of finding a job. In the year that he has been at nonpareil my son has had a boost of self confidence that has made an enormous difference in his life. Chris is living his dream of programming games and couldn't be happier. He fits in regardless of the fact that he is not very social. The acceptance and love expressed by the staff and crew is amazing!

Our daughter has been attending nonPareil for a year now and we could not be happier. Of course before we found nonPareil we were uncertain what the future held for her. We were confident she would find employment but knew that probably meant a lifetime of menial labor jobs and that was very upsetting to us. We really wanted her to be able to find work doing something she enjoyed. Thanks to nonPareil Institute she is on her way to doing just that.

The incredible bonus we've received with her attending nonPareil has been her social growth. She has absolutely blossomed in a year. Her fears of crowds and noisy rooms has decreased significantly and we can point to the environment of respect, love and attention that nonPareil Institute fosters as a prime factor in her change.

We look forward to her future with as much excitement as we do our other daughter who is a senior in college. Who knows she may develop the next Angry Birds and buy Mom & Dad their retirement island!

I am a donor but my grandson is a student at nonPareil and I feel we are blessed to be a part of this wonderful opportunity. Eric because he has a future thanks to the hard work and dedication of the founders and staff. For my part I feel honored to contribute a small part to what I know will be the start of something wonderful for adults with autism. This concept is one that is long overdue and should lead to
changes in how training for young adults with limited capabilities is provided. The future of this country depends on creative ideas for those who do not fit into the main stream. They should be allowed to develop skills to enable them to be a productive part of our world.

This organization is a tremendous help to my son and others with Autism. It teaches people on the autism spectrum how to work in real jobs and gives them a great sense of accomplishment.

A truly amazing group of people passionate about making a better world for an under serviced group of adults.

Amazing is an understatement. My son Neal has flourished in this program. He began as a student and continues to learn but has progressed to teaching others as a paid position. The program simply works, it take the strengths of these young indivials and allows them show the world what the can do. It builds character and confidence.
This is only the beginning for this team as there is far more demand than they can currently serve. We are so lucky to live close enough to take advantage of what this program offers and I support the growth strategy and vision that Dan and Gary have as there are so many that need this program yet cannot take advantage until the program expands its reach.

The nonPariel Institute in Plano, Texas is the only place like it in the whole world that works to train adults with autism how to develop their video game programing skills. I sought out this tremendous program 3 years prior to my son becoming a Crew member. This program has changed his life in many ways. He is so proud to have the opprotunuity to follow his lifelong passion for video games and learn to be a developer. The people that founded nonPariel and their staff have nothing but care and compassion for these Crew member's development. You can't help but smile when you are there. The nonPariel motto " Amor vincit Omnia. Auxillio ab alto" "Love conques all. With help from on high." is truly present. My son looks forward to a future of success and lifelong friendships and one day a place to call home. We are truly blessed by nonPariel, it is not a place it is a family.

I'm so thankful that nonPareil is available to help our son develop skills he is interested in and possibly provide a position for him later on. He gets exactly the kind of training he needs and the staff gives him the personal attention he requires. This is an answer to prayer.

nonPareil is hands-on! They are not just giving people job skills to people on the Autism spectrum, they are helping them work together in productive design teams by providing a specialized environment for learning and working on REAL products. Their students/employees are extremely talented but find it hard, if not impossible, to function in most workplaces. NonPareil, has given my son a fulfilling career path that takes advantage of his talent, skill, and focus. Without nonPareil, he would have been locked into minimum-wage, unskilled jobs. Now he can take pride in doing high quality work with highly skilled team members. He is on the path to being self sufficient.

NonPareil Institute has given my son opportunity to be productive, live a life of growth and fulfillment.
There are no words to express my appreciation for what NonPareil means to my son and our family.
David W.

Volunteering at non-Pareil is the best part of my week. I have the privilege of spending time with brilliant, fun people while watching them grow both intellectually and socially. Kudos to Dan, Gary, and all of the staff at non-Pareil for creating such a nurturing learning environment for young adults on the spectrum.

My 23 year old son started with NonPareil this past year. He is very high functioning with Asperger's Sydnrome. NonPareil provides such a necessary outlet to instill purpose, fulfillment and a place of belonging to a group of hard-working, bright and sensitive young adults who otherwise are left struggling to find acceptance and success. We have been thrilled with NonPareil, and my son loves it there, and loves even more the road to independence that he is building for himself. I am very hopeful for the future of NonPareil and the possibilities ahead for this extraordinary non-profit.

Bringing purpose and fulfillment to the lives of others, nonPareil and their staff are long on patience, compassion and true understanding in working with autistic individuals and their families who are desperately searching for solutions. The staff and individuals serving nonPareil clients understand because someone in their own lives is struggling to find their way through the maze of autism. They "get" it. Taking a bold risk to start this organization and a major leap of faith, Dan Selec and Gary Moore quit with the "why" and moved forward with the "how" years ago. These men recognized the vision set before them and have acted with determination to surround themselves with an amazing staff who work long, diligent days to make a difference in the lives of individuals who often are given little hope for a future. The program is phenomenal showcasing gifts and abilities of people who are often cast aside. Having worked with nonPareil both as a parent and in a professional capacity, it truly is unparalleled in its scope, goals and results!

I love nonPareil. I started school here in May of 2011, and I've never been happier in my life. I went from having almost no friends to having more friends than I know how to handle almost immediately. The curriculum is great, and I love that we don't have to take any courses that don't directly effect our department. My teacher is really awesome because we communicate relatively similarly, so there are less misinterpretations or conflicts due to communication errors. Dan and Gary, the guys who run things here, are awesome; they take a personal interest in all of us here, and they're really understanding about just about anything imaginable. I've never been happier in my life, and nonPareil is a HUGE part of making that happen. My advice for if you're thinking about sending your kid here, or going here yourself, is to stop thinking about it and just do it! You will be missing out on something unimaginably huge and incomparably awesome if you don't.

My son struggles with Asperger's syndrome. After graduating high school, he found it extraordinarily difficult to attend college or even find work. The nonPareil institute provides a place where he can learn valuable skills writing video games and interacting with others in a collaborative work environment. Traditional higher education could not provide this kind of training, experience and understanding. We see tremendous progress and expect that his experience at nonPareil will serve him well for years to come.

For her entire life, our daughter wanted to create and develop video games. Her uniquenesses due to autism severely limited her options for career training in this field. nonPareil Institute offers, not only the training necessary for her career choice, but also a community of like-minded individuals searching to find their place in this world. She has grown professionally and, more importantly, personally into a more confident person now living independently of family and flourishing because of the people surrounding her providing instruction and support. Thank you, nonPareil!

This is an amazing opportunity for a very rewarding career for young adults on the autism spectum. My son attends this institute and really is learning a skill that has real marketable value. The staff is so supportive and wants everyone to succeed at what they do best no matter their level on the spectrum.

nonPareil is a dream come true for my son who is a young adult on the autism spectrum. nonPareil is giving my son a chance at a career, a life of his own where he can make a living doing something he truly loves. Since starting at nonPareil a year ago my son went from a loner who hardly talked to anyone to an outgoing lively adult that feels good about himself. He now has a sense of complishment now that I have never seen in him before. He is happy!

NonPareil has been a Godsend for our grandson. When faced with what happens after high school, there wasn't much choice untill his parents heard about and contacted NonPareil. Now there is hope that one day he can lead a happy and productive life.

The management team understands how to capitalize on the strengths people with autism have. They are showing others what is possible and how to make it happen.

As it is clear there is a significant increase in the incidence and diagnosis of people on the spectrum now estimated at 1 in 88, there needs to be a meaningful way of providing opportunity, training and community to those less capable of functioning in the economy as it is currently presented to the working population.
NP has addressed every aspect of the problem with a solution that provides education beyond high school and even college, provides the environment where the students are comfortable learning new skills, and provides a community where both the educators and students recognize the special nature of the services provided. They are motivated every day to make a difference in their own lives and of those around them.
The model is designed to be self sustaining in the long term, and for that reason alone is worthy of support. It requires assistance in building this vision in its formative years, however may be one of very few organizations that addresses the need to provide training and an environment that will support future programs. These programs will add to the community and economy as well as provide a broader solution that can continue to grow and provide this valuable opportunity to many more individuals on the spectrum.
This is a unique and powerful statement by an organization that accesses talent that is otherwise denied to the community, and denied to the individual the opportunity to express that latent talent.

My Asperger's kid struggled through middle-school and high school was not looking hopeful. When ninth grade hit, that big question mark that looms over the heads of all parents with Aspie kids hit my head, "After high-school, what ?". I read NonPareil in our local paper. I called that same day. The director himself spoke to me and I was so relieved. I had no explaining to do, because Mr. Moore new exactly what my concerns were and how to address each one. I have stayed in touch with NonPareil ever since then. My kid graduates next year... and my question mark has floated away.

My son started at nonPareil in May 2011, and has found the perfect learning and working environment that accommodates his social differences. The nonPareil Staff are terrific with the crew members. With donors assistance, nP has been able to build sound proof training rooms for those crew members that are sensitive to sound. My son absolutely enjoys getting up in the morning to go to nP for training and communing with his fellow crew members.

Our son started at nonPareil two years ago and it has changed his life! After graduating from high school, he was at a loss as to what to do with his life. His anxiety and Aspergers kept him from starting community college. He was getting depressed as he realized he had no direction. Once we met with Gary and Dan at nonPareil, my son couldn't wait to start there! He felt so comfortable because he could tell everyone knew what his invisible challenges were. He has been very successful in learning the computer skills and his self-esteem and self-confidence have steadily increased. He also has made friends for the first time in his life. Our son is thriving. Our family is so grateful to nonPareil. We can't wait until they have a campus, so our son can meet his goal of living independent of his family. nonPareil is a life saver!!

My son attended nonPareil. NonPareil is so wonderful, I just can't say enough good things about them. The staff is caring and understanding. They understand our kiddos. My son isn't independant enough for their program right now. I am hoping and praying that as they grow, they will have a program that will work for him. Our kids need a future and nonPareil gives them a future. Thank you for all you do!!

nonpareil is such a unique place and we love having our son be a part of it. It's more than just learning about computer coding and writing software. There is also social interaction between the members that we have seldom seen in our son previously with others of his own peer group. It is our hope that nonpareil will continue to grow and be able to fulfill the plans they have. They are impressive!

Our son is a student at nonPareil Institute where he is learning about game design and 3D modeling. He has found an organization that appreciates him for who he is, helps him use his strengths, and lovingly encourages him to expand his knowledge and expertise so that he can have a career one day. Our son feels accepted & valued in a way that he never has before. nonPareil is an answer to our prayers. The cofounders, Dan & Gary, and the staff, are so dedicated and have such big hearts. They are doing God's work with these students!

My son, age 19, has Asperger's and high school was an awful experience for him, yet we worried what he would do afterwards. Finding nonPareil has been a blessing. Not only is our son happy, he feels he belongs and has thrived in this environment. The staff truly understands these kids. My son is more articulate than he has ever been, partly I believe because he is not stressed and doesn't feel riduculed when he makes a mistake. This is a place that needs to be checked out by anyone with a loved one on the Autism/Asperger's spectrum.

Our son Adam was getting to the age where we needed find the next step for him after high school. Adam being PDD *high functioning austism needed to be challenged and no ordinary program would do. At the this time Adam was in a program called the Transition Learning Center in Garland Texas part of the GISD. His teacher Mrs. Advance found this wonderful non profit program on the SMU campus in Plano Texas and was excited to tell us about it! We were excited too once we went to visit. It was a place that Adam would finally fit in and be challenged to use his gifts that have grown in him since birth. This was an answer to our prayers! Adam loves going and learning and working and now teaching others who don't know as much as he does at nonPariel. Adam has come a long way and we owe it all to this amazing place called nonPariel Institute! The students learn all the aspects of producing a video game from artwork to modeling to code! Adam wouldn't leave this program now if you paid him too! We are so happy for him! Carol & Brian Jeffreys of Sachse Texas

I am a adult on the spectrum. I volunteer to. Share. My experience , strength, and hope to the students.

Our son who is on the spectrum with Aspergers enjoys his time away from home learning and training on video game applications. This is what he has wanted to do for several years now. We finally found a place that accepts people as they are and makes no judgements. They take the time to help, teach, and encourage those on the spectrum to become valuable members of society. They help give them a purpose in life, and help them reach for the stars. Thank you for all you do.

I joined the program at nonPareil to better my skills in computer programming. I have never regretted the decision. Through their help, I have gained a lot of practical knowledge to help me in my career. I would recommend them to anyone who was a programmer trying to develop themselves.

We were looking at very few options for our daughter with autism once she graduated from high school. In fact, the options that were shown to us basically set her future as a minimum wage earner with little chance of growth. We knew she was very talented with art and computers but the local grocery store (which was one of the options) just doesn't offer a program that utilizes those talents and the college's had no way of dealing with a person with autism. The future did not look bright until we discovered nonPareil Institute. The fit for our daughter is unbelievable, she has already completed one phase of training and has entered her art training which is what she wants to do. I truly believe the skills she will obtain will enable her to compete with anyone in the app development space. The staff is amazing, from the CEO to the volunteers, everyone at nonPareil has a genuine love for what they are doing and who they are serving. Thanks to God for blessing our lives with this incredible company.

Non Pareil is an incredible institute that gives Autistim Spectrum and Aspergers Syndrome adults an opportunity to learn in the field of technology to help them become more independent. It gives them an environment that sets them up to be more productive in a setting that understands their spectrum. My son is 28 with high functioning autism. We have toured NP and are on the waitlist at present. We are looking forward to the opportunity that awaits for Justin to attend. We are so impressed at the progress these students have made!

My son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 23 after failing college, finishing an EET associates degree,getting a fine job and being asked to leave after the training period ended. He was never told why he was asked to resign. He then spent three years in his room, coming out to eat, shop and perhaps see friends once or twice a year. He lived on the computer. Through the help of a counselor we discovered nonPareil. He was accepted one year ago. His life has completely changed. He has moved to Texas. After 6 months he took over his own finances, paying the bills. Within four months of his starting he became a student-instructor. He is now renting a house with a fellow student, looking forward to a lifetime career, instructing three different courses, and has friends and a social life that was unimaginable just one year ago. The staff at nonPareil have made a new man out of him and there are no words to adequately explain our joy at his new, productive life; and for his happiness.