Matt Cottle, a man on the autism spectrum, faced harsh criticism when he first tried to participate in a job that he was interested in. A man that was once scoffed at when he asked to work in a supermarket bakery now owns the Stuttering King Bakery. As an entrepreneur and owner, he fills orders for businesses, cafes, and groups that need catering. Cottle was able to follow his passion thanks to the Southwest Autism Research and Research Center (SAARC), who connected him with a pastry chef for mentoring. Within a short amount of time, Cottle discussed with his parents his desire to start his own baking business.
Cottle faced various difficulties before he was able to find his calling. He needed his parents to explain to employers that their son was autistic, although he was capable of tackling certain jobs. However, these companies were typically impatient or unwilling to work with him, and he therefore grew frustrated by his failed attempts at employment. Once Cottle was finally given an opportunity, he and his mother began attending entrepreneurship classes offered by Seed Spot, and organization that helps socially responsible businesses. Cottle states, “I hope I can set up shop and hopefully start interning and mentoring other people with autism.”