Al-Monitor | Maysam Bizaer: The staff of the Downtism cafe in Tehran, Iran, seen in an image uploaded May 3, 2018.




With tables squeezed together, framed paintings on the walls and a one-page menu that offers a selection of coffees, Downtism�cafe�in northern Tehran looks like any other coffee shop. It's unique, though: Downtism is the first and only cafe in Iran where all the employees have�Down syndrome�or�autism.



�I really like my job. It feels good to be out of home with friends and make real money,� Arya, a 21-year-old with autism, told Al-Monitor.

His mother, who identified herself as Mrs. Azad, said she�was equally pleased with her son�s job as a dishwasher. She told Al-Monitor, �We�re very happy and satisfied that they�re working. This way they�can both work and socialize with others. They develop social skills and self-confidence.��She�and other parents take turns lending a hand at the cafe and overseeing how their children are doing.

Downtism, which opened May 1, has�quickly made a name for itself. When Al-Monitor visited the coffee shop after Ramadan, all the tables were filled.

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