Advocating the strengths of Autism Spectrum Disorder will ultimately lead to greater success of the medical community. The world will always be in need of more doctors, surgeons, and nurses who save lives. The medical community is one of the most important aspects of a functioning society, and neurodivergent people have so much they can contribute.
Historically, people diagnosed with autism faced extreme adversity and prejudice. People with mental disabilities have been treated poorly going back to ancient times, but the concept of autism was first created and recognized as an intellectual disorder by a German doctor in 1911. Often neurodivergent individuals were bullied and assumed to be inferior than neurotypical individuals. This stigma continues on to the present day, despite tons of research that disproves ASD as an inherent flaw or disorder.
In recent years, the benefits of neurodivergency have been explored and taught, rather than the difficulties. The National Library Of Medicine says “there has been increasing acceptance of the neurodiversity paradigm.” People with ASD exhibit a very special and unique skill set. They can memorize information quickly and accurately and think in a visual way. People with autism also display the ability to think very logically. The National Library of Medicine explains people with ASD show “hyper focus, attention to detail, and an extreme ability to remember.” During a study I found in the article, specific strengths of autistic people in the workplace were explored and many impressive skills were brought to light. Nuerodivergent employees were shown to have an excellent work ethic, dedication, and utmost honesty when completing their work. People in the study were even found to perform better than their neurotypical coworkers. The study explains that “by understanding the strengths that could be associated with autism in the workplace, autistic people may be better able to identify their own strengths in the workplace.” While these skills can be useful to any job, I believe they work especially well in the medical world.
Unfortunately, only about 1% of neurodivergent doctors make up the medical world. A large reason why there is such a drastically low percentage of doctors with autism is because of stigmatization and prejudice against neurodivergent people. A study done by the National Library of Medicine showed that autistic doctors reported many challenges in the workplace due to this stigmatization. The challenges had nothing to do with underperformance or an inability to correctly carry out procedures. Doctors with autism reported feeling pressure to hide who they really are, and try hard to act a certain way in front of colleagues. This is also known as “masking.” Masking for autistic people is defined as “a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously, to appear non-autistic in order to blend in and be more accepted in society” from the National Autistic Society. During the study on 225 doctors with autism, a concerning statistic showed that more than three fourths have considered suicide and about half had performed self harm. Some doctors with autism also fear their colleagues will judge them or “worry that being linked with a condition may cost them their reputation as a reliable health-care provider.” This stigma and non-acceptance “contribut[es] to a culture of nondisclosure.” It was shocking to discover almost 30% kept their ASD diagnosis a secret. It is obvious that feeling like you have to hide who you are has serious mental health consequences. Society needs to be educated on the strengths of ASD in order to make a more accepting environment for neurodivergent people in the workplace.
In an article written by Alice Sun, she talks about a few different doctors with moving stories. The one that stuck out the most to me was about Tahleel Javed. Javed received a diagnosis for ADHD and autism when she was 27 years old. She was practicing as a psychiatric doctor at the time, and when she found out it changed her life. She explained that the diagnosis caused her to feel shock and confusion, but at the same time relief. She describes herself as “high-functioning,” and explains that is the reason for her late diagnosis. Her behaviors started to make sense to her, and her diagnosis actually helped her feel like she belonged. She began to advocate for doctors with ASD and vocalized the struggles of living with it in the workplace. A doctor reached out to Javed after seeing her televised and confided in Javed about their struggle to come to terms with their diagnosis. Javed explained that upon the doctor “hearing [her own] diagnosis, it gave them confidence and courage that there are possibilities.” After Javed experienced the suicide of a doctor in an online autism support group, she started an incredible non-profit organization. It’s called the Society For Tourette’s, Autism, and Nuerodiversity. It creates a space for raising awareness and providing support. Sun writes in the article that “with every voice, the effects continue to ripple out.” She emphasizes the importance of shifting the medical world to recognize the positives and the gifts of neurodivergency.
If we can change the way we learn about ASD, more people with autism will be able to contribute their skills to medicine. Spreading more awareness about strengths will eliminate a lot of stereotypes and judgements from neurotypical people. We can create an environment where neurodivergent people will feel comfortable. Ultimately, building an accepting community will create many life changing outcomes. It would encourage people with autism who have an interest in medicine to pursue a career, while also helping people with autism who are already doctors have a safe and successful medical journey. In the end, doctors with autism will be able to give themselves a better life and help more people.
Works Cited
“The experiences of autistic doctors: a cross-sectional study.” NCBI, 18 July 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10393275/. Accessed 5 April 2024.
“Masking.” National Autistic Society, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/masking. Accessed 5 April 2024.
“Strengths and abilities in autism.” Altogether Autism, https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/strengths-and-abilities-in-autism/. Accessed 5 April 2024.
“The Strengths and Abilities of Autistic People in the Workplace.” NCBI, 9 March 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8992926/. Accessed 5 April 2024.
Sun, Alice. “Doctors with autism speak out against stigma | Spectrum.” Spectrum | Autism Research News, 9 March 2023, https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/doctors-with-autism-speak-out-against-stigma/. Accessed 5 April 2024.
Sprockets and Springes 