Autistic teen's wish comes true

By Staff Writer

Individuals who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are often fascinated with, or interested in, one particular subject. Jake Devine of Olathe, Kansas, an autistic young adult, loves tow trucks, KansasCity.com reports.

Devine's interest in trucks started at a young age, when he saw one in his dentist's parking lot. The truck, Big Blue, was driven by Joe Warren, a local employee of Don's Body Shop and Tow Service.

Warren, impressed with Devine's interest, let him push buttons and turn knobs in the nine-ton flatbed truck. Jake's parents, Susan and Larry Devine, told KansasCity.com that it started a passionate curiosity about the vehicle.

At this year's annual Johnson County Old Settlers Parade, Devine got his wish of riding shotgun in Big Blue. During the parade, the young man waved and cheered as he rode high up in Big Blue's cab alongside Joe Warren, the news source reports.

At the end of the parade route, Devine jumped down from the truck, gave Joe Warren a big hug and thanked him for letting him do something he "has wanted to do for 19 years," quoted by the media outlet.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.