Autistic doctors are a hidden minority in hospitals and other healthcare settings, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Mary Doherty, an anaesthetist at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan in Ireland. Dr. Doherty, who herself was diagnosed with autism 10 years ago, found that the doctors surveyed only had their autism confirmed in their mid-30s on average, and many choose not to disclose their condition.
The study, led by Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Thomas Jefferson University in the USA, revealed alarming statistics about the mental struggles faced by autistic doctors. Out of the surveyed doctors from different countries, a quarter had attempted suicide, while over three-quarters had considered it. Additionally, nearly half of the doctors had engaged in self-harm.
Dr. Doherty, a senior author of the study and a founder of Autistic Doctors International, highlighted the fact that autistic doctors are often overlooked in the medical workforce, and that the range of specialties represented in this group challenges autistic stereotypes. General practitioners are the largest subgroup, followed by psychiatrists.
Dr. Sebastian Shaw, lead author of the study from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, expressed concern about the mental health challenges faced by autistic doctors. He explained that these struggles are not surprising, considering the numerous barriers and challenges that autistic individuals encounter in the healthcare sector. The study also found that those who viewed autism as a disorder rather than a difference or disability were more likely to have attempted suicide. Dr. Shaw suggested that fostering acceptance of autism as a difference could improve the well-being of autistic healthcare professionals and patients.
The study revealed that many autistic doctors choose not to disclose their diagnosis at work, with 29% not having informed anyone in their workplace. Only 32% had disclosed their autism to supervisors, and 30% had informed their colleagues. The study highlighted the challenges autistic doctors face in the workplace, as they constantly mask and camouflage their condition to appear non-autistic.
This constant effort to conceal their autism can contribute to burnout, discontinuing employment, and serious mental health issues, including suicide. However, disclosing their diagnosis is not always an easy option, as many workplaces lack support and can be associated with stigma and discrimination.
The study emphasized that as awareness and diagnosis of autism grows, more medical students and doctors are discovering their autistic identity later in life, with the average age of diagnosis being 36. Some doctors are only diagnosed after struggling in stressful clinical environments or during demanding career paths. Unfortunately, support from employers tends to be inconsistent, and some colleagues refuse to believe that a qualified doctor could be autistic.
Improving the experience of autistic doctors requires a positive view of neurodivergence, according to Dr. Shaw. Workplaces need to offer better support and raise awareness of the challenges faced by autistic healthcare professionals. Creating well-supported and neurodiverse medical teams would ensure that the diversity of the public is reflected in their healthcare providers, leading to improved experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent patients.
Despite the difficulties highlighted in the study, the findings also revealed that 74% of autistic doctors generally enjoy their work, and three-quarters found being autistic helpful in their role as physicians. Dr. Wendy Ross, director of the Jefferson Centre for Autism and Neurodiversity, called for action from the entire medical field to support autistic medical professionals and meet their needs, alongside those of their patients.
The study serves as an important reminder to prioritize the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals, particularly those who may belong to underrepresented groups. By promoting acceptance, support, and understanding, the healthcare sector can truly embrace diversity and provide better care for all patients.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this article, Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123, and Aware can be reached at 1800 80 48 48.
