Thomas Thomas is a younger man with autism. Thomas needs verbal prodding to perform most tasks of daily living. However, put Thomas in a kayak or on snowshoes, and he is the steadiest of athletes, performing at an even rate of speed, and is not distracted by cheering crowds or crazy finish line scenes. He participates in most Special Olympic sports that we offer, grasping intuitively what it is he is to do. He also is a most gifted artist, needing little assistance to produce remarkable Braque-like pieces of art. Thomas has also developed the skills to become a trusted worker, and is learning the vending machine business.