Deja View : An updated look at some of the people, places and programs featured in Valley View during the year : DISABLED : Autistic Savant Adapts to Work and Independence

More than six months after moving into her own apartment, Eileen Arenberg, who is an autistic savant, is adapting well to her independence, according to the Jay Nolan Community Services for the Developmentally Handicapped in Canyon Country. She has also developed the ability to make friends, something she had been unable to do because of her handicap.

“Eileen has finally learned how to make friends with people and then build friendships,” said Daniel Dias, Arenberg’s manager at Dak Industries in Canoga Park. “She has truly become an integrated member of the community.”

In May, Arenberg, 30, became the first autistic adult from the center to rent her own apartment. Until five years ago, autistic adults such as Arenberg lived in institutions or group homes--much like the character Raymond played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie “Rain Man.” Experts did not think it was possible for them to work and live independently in their community.

In late fall 1990, Susan Shoemaker, a Jay Nolan job placement coordinator, helped Arenberg get a job as a data entry operator at Dak Industries. With the help of a job coach from Jay Nolan, Arenberg adapted to the office setting and the responsibilities of working.

“Today she is a very well-rounded employee who exceeds standards of productivity and fully understands the job she is doing,” Dias said.

When Arenberg moved into her own apartment in May, those who helped her make the transition were concerned about her ability to get to and from work, and to take care of herself without live-in assistance.

“She’s doing better and better each week,” said Richard Rosenberg, executive director of Jay Nolan Community Services, which maintains weekly contact with Arenberg. “Our staff has had to relearn how to interact with someone who has become so completely independent.”

The past six months have helped Arenberg adjust to her independence. “She is dressing better, holding her head higher and generally showing more self-esteem and self-confidence,” Rosenberg said. “We couldn’t be happier for her.”