Might need to stay "closeted" due to field I work

Post Reply New Topic

So I kind of stumbled into a career that might seem unconventional for me but I love it and I'm actually pretty good at it. I spent my middle and high school years at least part-time in Special Ed, where they really didn't know what to do with me because I was too advanced for the curriculum level they were teaching to most of my classmates, but they wouldn't mainstream me because of behavioral/social differences. So they kind of made me the unofficial student teacher's aide, and this led eventually to me having a whole string of jobs working with people with disabilities. I currently work in a life-skills-education day program for adults with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders. Because I was having a difficult period at one time, I told my supervisor that I had Asperger's and he said he had worked with Aspies in the past and already recognized it in me. Which makes me think that a lot of the people I work with, being experienced with autism, probably know or suspect and may or may not know that I'm aware of it. Still, it feels unsafe sometimes to just tell everybody because I'm afraid I wouldn't be allowed to be responsible for vulnerable populations if they knew I also have a disability. There is a guy about my age who comes there as a client who has either Asperger's or HFA and is on almost exactly the same functioning level as me as far as social interactions and such - he might even have an edge on me in that I've never seen him stim, and I do it all the time. So the fact that I'm an employee and he's a participant make me afraid that if everyone knew, they would never allow it to continue. Thoughts?

well if I were u, I d ask myself, does everyone really have to know about my AS? what would that mean to me, would it be better or worse, then I'd writte pros and cons on piece of paper and decided.... im an AS SLP, few people know (collegues, professors etc) but I never told any of the parents I work with (with their children )... I felt like I didnt need that to have better connection and cooperation with them... but if you feel like it would be better to sort of 'come out' to everyone then go for it... and sry 4 my bad 'slangish' English

You may have less to 'worry' about than you fear - the fact that you have this level of insight is good and it makes it probably that you will be successful in your endeavors. However, It is normal to feel vulnerable-the workplace can be a political minefield...but if you focus on your positive achievements and the advantages that your unique perspective provides...you should do okay.

If you are feeling 'cautious' about a specific colleague, listen to that inner voice - and it seems like you are feeling a bit threatened by your 'personal identification' with a client more than with the NT staff...So, I agree that 'closeting' (but not hiding) your dx may be the best thing, Unless there is an obvious reason to bring it up, being 'out' may alienate you from fellow NT staff and even some supervisors who might have their own agendas. It could also paralyze any chances for advancement in your job (raises and positions).

Look for colleagues who are respectful and understanding of your position, and who value your unique talents and insights...Cultivate those relationships. These colleagues will be the ones who treat clients with kindness and understanding...who will be non-judgemental and non-condemning of clients...stay away from, or be cautious around those who are the opposite of this. They will be the ones who make snarky comments in private about clients, who are non-supportive, but who like that paycheck at the end of the week more than they like or respect the clients...

Being on the spectrum and being good at what you do can be both ithreatening and inspiring. Aspies can relate to other Aspies and people with HFA in a way that is effective and helpful...but many an NT therapist or aide can resent the ease with which you intrinsically understand the participating client. However, parents who know of your status can feel higher levels of confidence when they see that people on the spectrum can and do find their way in the world.

Good luck!