Redefining Normal: Embracing Neurodiversity in Adulthood
Deep Thoughts on a Friday night
I remember my job searches when I was young. I would get to the part of the application that asked if I had a disability that would hinder my job performance. I always placed a checkmark where it said, “NO.”
I did that, then my employer hurt my feelings when he or she fired me a few weeks or a few months later. It took a long time to get it through my head; yes, I have a problem I have several problems.
I did the bare minimum to graduate
I graduated from high school in 1978, by the skin of my teeth. I had been in Remedial classes and schools most of my life, what they used to call “ Special Education. The “Normal” kids were a lot crueler, “ Lawson’s in the Retard Class.” That is what I overheard more than once.
I thought I had my issues solved with my diploma. I was confident enough to leave Japan where the Airforce Stationed my dad to go back to the States by myself.
Odessa Texas, “No there,there”
I went to Odessa Texas to live with Relatives. I was nineteen years old and I thought I was a grown man. The brief stay in Odessa was the start of years of heartache.
