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Autism and medicine - is it worth pursuing diagnosis or will it be a barrier?

Panda

Hi guys! This is my first contribution the community, and a question has probably been asked before, but here goes...

In less than a month's time, I'll be submitting my ucas application to 4 universities, to study medicine. As a volunteer for a medical charity's youth programme, I've been given autism awareness training - when the trainer spoke about features of ASDs, how young people with autism might view the word differently from other people, I was shocked. I thought all of what she spoke about was normal, or if not normal then just one of my funny idiosyncracies. I went home, did some research and discovered that I meet many of the traits I read about and had the same difficulties. Now I'm debating whether a diagnosis is a good thing - I really don't like the idea of self - diagnosing, but I genuinely think I have it - confirmation I think would just be a trigger for looking at things differently and a way of explaining what has always been my "oddness".

Medicine is a career where empathy, teamwork, communication etc are essential, so the big question is will seeking diagnosis affect my chances? Admittedly nothing will happen until after applications have gone, but I'm still concerned that future employers may look at something like that, and, true to the stereotypes, doubt my competence and fitness to practice.

Any advice, comments or thoughts are welcome, and thank you all for your help.

Parents

  • Vimes said:

    It's a myth that we lack empathy, there are HFA that do work in the health service as nurses, physicians and even psychologists. It may take more effort for you to navigate the politicial environment rather than communication and teamwork. At least judging from your articulate posting. As to the diagnosis itself it is really up to you whether you disclose or not. If you do then you will be in an excellent position to dispel these myths you recite in your post

    Panda - I managed to reach the age of 57, and get 3 degrees before I realised, a couple of months ago, that I was autistic, although I am still awaiting diagnosis.

    I think Vimes has given you very good advice! Go for it, but plan to get help - there will be times you can use it.

    There are plenty of people in academia/the professional world, diagnosed or not who have autism, I am sure - I was one. There are also plenty of professionals who lack empathy! Your uni should have counsellors in whom you can confide - confidentially. That may be enough to help you cope, learn to deal with stressful situations, and develop confidence in your coping ability. I don't think suspected autism should be any kind of barrier to education or a professional career and it may well help to discuss going for a dignosis with a counsellor first.

    Wishing you luck!

Reply

  • Vimes said:

    It's a myth that we lack empathy, there are HFA that do work in the health service as nurses, physicians and even psychologists. It may take more effort for you to navigate the politicial environment rather than communication and teamwork. At least judging from your articulate posting. As to the diagnosis itself it is really up to you whether you disclose or not. If you do then you will be in an excellent position to dispel these myths you recite in your post

    Panda - I managed to reach the age of 57, and get 3 degrees before I realised, a couple of months ago, that I was autistic, although I am still awaiting diagnosis.

    I think Vimes has given you very good advice! Go for it, but plan to get help - there will be times you can use it.

    There are plenty of people in academia/the professional world, diagnosed or not who have autism, I am sure - I was one. There are also plenty of professionals who lack empathy! Your uni should have counsellors in whom you can confide - confidentially. That may be enough to help you cope, learn to deal with stressful situations, and develop confidence in your coping ability. I don't think suspected autism should be any kind of barrier to education or a professional career and it may well help to discuss going for a dignosis with a counsellor first.

    Wishing you luck!

Children
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