Ledyard — When 25-year-old Mallory Ahern became a volunteer with the Ledyard Ambulance service a little over a year ago, she wanted to be upfront about her autism diagnosis.

Ahern said she has a high-functioning form of autism known as Asperger's syndrome, but she still sometimes has problems communicating to people and understanding information. The condition left her feeling insecure and unsure of herself.

"No problem," she was told. "We can work with you."

Ahern was thrilled, she said, because she knows some ambulance companies won't give people with autism a chance. And she has excelled since joining the ambulance crew in January 2017, receiving a promotion last week to supply officer.

"It has just been a positive experience for me," she said. "The ambulance made it for me on a level where I was accepted for who I am."

Dave Olssen, a founding member of Ledyard Ambulance, said he has a soft spot in his heart for those with disabilities since he himself has struggled to return to the service after surviving a stroke.

"We give everyone a fair shot and have them do what they can," Olssen said. "You can work with anyone."

Olssen said Ahern has been "super dedicated" since joining the crew. She is hoping later to become a paramedic, which would allow her to perform potentially life-saving procedures.

Ahern, who also works at Apple Rehab in Mystic, became a certified nurse's assistant this week. She said she got her drive to succeed from her grandparents, who told her never to give up. She attended Franklin Academy in East Haddam, which she credited with helping her overcome learning disabilities.

Ahern for the most part has been an ambulance driver during her year and a half in the service. She goes out with one other team member on each call, and usually volunteers 14 hours during a night shift, often two to three days a week.

"It was my dream to work with an ambulance and crew," Ahern said.

But in addition to being an ambulance volunteer, she has had health problems that landed her in the back of a rescue vehicle. She once had an allergic reaction, and has been undergoing chemotherapy for Still's disease since last year.

"They were amazing every step of the way," she said. "It's been overwhelming kindness."

But most of all, said Ahern, she wanted people to know that people with autism can do the job and that their disability does not define them. If others give them a chance and make a few accommodations, she said, people with disabilities will show dedication in return.

"I will always be at this building if they need me, no matter what," Ahern said of the volunteer ambulance organization. "I love it here, and I love this town."

l.howard@theday.com