STARBUCKS in Dunfermline has become a springboard to confidence for a water skier with autism.

When John and Sharlyn Taylor first sent their son Carter to the counter at the coffee chain, the aim was to make him more comfortable placing an order and handling money, but they didn’t envision he’d soon be on the other side of the counter and serving up the cappuccinos.

During the eight years the Dunfermline outlet has been open it’s become a comfort zone for the former Inverkeithing High pupil.

“The team began to get to know Carter and he was a delight to serve and watch grow from this shy schoolboy into a confident customer,” said store manager Gina Lowe (pictured with Carter).

“I never really went looking to recruit him, the opportunity just arose. He is such a well-known character in the town and I saw it as an easy fit.”

Carter, 21, who is on the autism spectrum, spoke little as a child and finds it difficult to maintain eye contact. While the Taylor’s appreciated the job offer, John said: “At first, we had mixed emotions. We were overwhelmed and delighted by the opportunity. But what soon followed were the what-ifs: What if the staff didn’t understand him? What if something went wrong?

“However, the changes we have seen from Carter have been phenomenal, not only in gaining new skills, but developing those social skills he struggles with.

“Carter immediately became part of a very special team of people who support and develop him, but also challenge him.”

After an initial trial period, he became a store mainstay, moving from clearing tables and stocking to more advanced tasks.

“What Carter often says is, ‘I want to work at Starbucks forever,’ and that sums it up,” said Gina.

“He is now a valued, important and core member of the team and has the best can-do attitude. This connection with the family has allowed us to develop Carter beyond anything his parents and I thought was possible.”

After gaining confidence at Starbucks, he began showing unanticipated skills in waterskiing lessons.

Carter’s training with Scottish Disability Sport and Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland has produced remarkable results, including slalom wins last year at the Scottish Open and Scottish Native.

He earned a bronze medal in Division One of the British Ski Leave, qualifying for the Premier Division in the British Ski League and he’s among the top five slalom skiers to ever come out of Scotland and stands at 26th in the UK for slalom.

John believes the combination of success at Starbucks and as an athlete have transformed his son.

He said: “He now has greater social skills, has gained confidence to deal with others, has a circle of friends and a huge amount of pride in what he does.

“We also believe his colleagues have a great respect and understanding that Carter being different is not only OK, but is what makes him so very unique and gifted.”