Teens and adults on the spectrum have similar desires of a career or occupation as those not on the spectrum. Over the years, I have learned not to tell anyone of any age; “You can’t become a (fill in the blank) because you’re (fill in the blank).” I want to share a story about a teenager named Joshua. Josh was one of my students in the continuing education program for ages 18-21. This program was to get them ready for the real world and becoming as independent as they could. One such goal was employment. In class, we discussed different careers, their interests and worked up a plan as to what they needed as far as education, training, and so forth.
That evening, I received a call from Josh’s mom. She told me Josh came home overly excited about getting a job as a fireman. His mom ‘reminded’ me Josh was autistic with an IQ of 72. He had cerebral palsy affecting his left leg and left hand, causing it to be unusable.’ “Let’s not be giving him false hope.” She said. “There is no way he will ever be a fireman.”
The next day in class, each student shared with the class what their ideal career would be. Many wanted to work in the same type of job a family member had. I noticed that Josh wasn’t as enthusiastic as he was yesterday when I gave out the assignment.
After class, I asked Josh if he changed his mind about being a fireman. He shared with me that his mom and dad told him there was no way he would be a fireman because he was too disabled physically and mentally; it would be too challenging for him.
I began asking questions about why he wanted to be a fireman. What did he like about that occupation? He was fascinated with the fire truck. “It’s big and shiny and always looks pretty.” The other interest he had was in the Dalmatian dog that firefighters have that ride in the truck and the pole that firefighters got to slide down. “It looks like fun,” he explained. He mentioned nothing about putting out fires or pulling people from burning buildings. I figured out how I could help him achieve his goal.
I spoke to one of the firefighters about Josh, explaining what his desire was. He would talk to his supervisor and get back to me.
The following week I received a call from the fire chief about Josh. He would like Josh to come in for an interview. I was so excited. I called his mom and shared the good news. She was a bit apprehensive but agreed to be supportive and even buy him some nice clothes and shoes for his interview.
On the day of his interview, Josh dressed like a professional. I sat in on the discussion, being mindful not to answer questions for him. The chief said he had a position that he was looking to fill (he created for Josh). He needed someone to wash the tires of the fire trucks and keep them shiny and pretty. He also required the employee to empty garbage cans, feed, and water the firehouse dog, take her out for walks a couple of times a day, and clean up after any accidents. Josh was agreeable to all the duties and responsibilities. Josh was hired on the spot and would start the following Monday. He was to be a volunteer for at least six months. He was okay with that. Money didn’t mean that much to him anyway.
Josh was hired as a part-time employee a year later. All the employees loved Josh. He had a positive outlook on life and was so proud of his new career. He even got a fireman’s hat and a badge. Fridays were also exceptional. That was the day he would slide down the pole.
I share this story with you because there are ways to fulfill a dream if the coach is creative and find other creative ways to reach a goal. By the way, Josh worked for the small fire department for five years and never missed a day.