|
Ladysmokeater's Blog
Back to Blog Directory
Adventures as an Aspie firefighter
posted at 04:52 am on 10-27-2005
In a almost mythic relm of brotherhood and trust, I found acceptance aginst all odds. I am an aspie, and I am female. To be an aspie to those that do not understand is to be "Defective", and to be a female in this business is to be trouble. Yet in this dangerous and uniquely social world I found myself. I have always known that I am different than other folks. I was diagnosed with a Learning Disability and Sensory issues in school. At the same time, however, I was also tested and was labled "gifted" with a "genius" IQ. I never was able to fit in socially and laged behind my peers in dating, making friends and relationships. As an adult I have come to understand many of the things that have plagued me as a child are mearly part of being an Aspie. I craved physical and mental stimuli. The fireservice provided both. I was able to do daunting physical tasks and I had to think on my feet as well. As a vol. firefighter, I gained training and experience that lead to my first position as a paid firefighter. That was a disaster. It was clear to my partner at work that I was "off" and I was tormented accordingly. I, like most aspies, work best when there is a routine. even the unpredictibility of the emergencies I responded to didnt upset that balance. But my coworkers changing the normal daily routines did. Things were done in a logical order, and when that was missing, I was lost. I wound up in another fire department where logical order was the name of the game. I thrived. Even the closely social group didnt phase me. These guys became like brothers, and I was that weird little sister everyone loved to laugh with (and at). Being clumsy was overshadowed by my ability to recall facts at a fast and accurate rate. I was seen as a walking alamanic and refrence guide. I basked in the attention that I got for being the "smartest one on shift". And my "odd social behaviors" were simply seen as comical.
I am a police dispatcher now, (has a lot to do with insurance and full time status). I talk to people but I dont have to worry aobut missing those pesky social ques because I never deal with the frightened public face to face. (and a note the frightened and panicked public nont make me as nervous) I am begining to see how its a gift, not a curse, to be an aspie.
(Comments)
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
