connor davidson
clinical leadLeeds Autism Diagnostic Service
Many of us may have co-workers with autism. Although there is little research in this area, evidence to date suggests that autism is at least as common in health professionals as it is in the general population: 1 percent of general practitioners and roughly Equal percentage of psychiatrists Two studies in the last five years have reported that it is autistic in the UK.In fact, medical training inadvertently select specific traits of autism His attention to detail, accuracy, integrity, and diligence are highly valued by clinicians.
There is great value in having a diverse workforce that includes neurodiversity. Many industries, including Silicon Valley tech companies, are actively hiring neurodiverse employees. In medicine, however, the idea of neurodiversity remains outdated. Until recently, at least, it was not uncommon to hear senior physicians confidently saying, “People with autism don’t have enough empathy to be a psychiatrist.”
The persistence of such views in this area may be related to the prominence of the medical model of disability and disability when it comes to autism. He told me that he had discouraged me from seeking a diagnostic evaluation.
I must confess that when I was appointed ‘Autism Champion’ by the Royal Psychiatric Society last year, I expected to focus primarily on developing training routes for aspiring neurodevelopmental professionals. It was (One of the university’s primary functions is to help build and conduct psychiatric training.) However, many autism psychiatrists report biases, It made me sad to hear that people were reported to be experiencing stigma, career barriers. — to the point of being reluctant to “come out” as autistic at work.
It became clear that the field must recognize, recognize and support psychiatrists and trainees with autism and neurodiverse. surely, editorial announced last year in British Journal of Psychiatry Demanded that the university fully include autism in new plans to achieve equality among members, staff, patients, and caregivers.
In response to the editorial, my colleagues and I Outlines three main areas Universities are now working to better support autism physicians. Our purpose was developed in consultation with neurodiverse colleagues and organizations such as: International Association of Autism Physicians, the adjustment of working conditions, public statements of equality and efforts to increase inclusiveness. For a more progressive and inclusive environment for autistic physicians, in a workplace where employers abide by equality laws and meet employee needs, thereby ensuring the best possible patient care. We hope that other medical institutions will also adopt these initiatives.
W.When someone declares they have autism and requests accommodation at work, they are not making excuses or hiding behind their disability. ) are required by law in many countries and reflect the opportunity to build a talented, diverse and resilient workforce. Represents a patient to serveGiven the high prevalence of autism in the psychiatric outpatient population, according to 2022, at least 18.9%. study In Sweden, it makes sense to develop a psychiatric workforce that includes people who have experienced neurodevelopmental disorders firsthand.
The types of accommodations some autism physicians request are usually related to non-clinical aspects of the job and can be easily implemented at little or no cost. Some need to clearly communicate job roles and expectations, while others have sensory needs, such as using earplugs or headphones when the office or ward is particularly busy and noisy. Most accommodations do not require a formal neurodevelopmental label or diagnosis and often benefit all. there is. It is important that managers, supervisors and colleagues have a solid understanding of autism and neurodiversity.
Certain elements of the medical training program should be changed. For example, frequent role and work environment changes during clinical rotations can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism. A common type of examination, called objective structured clinical examination, involves actors serving multiple stations in a large examination hall, which can be very busy and noisy, leading to sensory overload.
Workplaces should welcome the equal participation of people with disabilities, including neurodevelopmental disabilities, and be visibly active as an organization. The university aims to do this by issuing a clear statement in support of disability equality.
Workplaces should also strive to ensure the participation of all members. For example, all online her content, such as learning materials and publications, conferences and events, should be accessible to people with disabilities.
It is our hope that through these efforts and others, the Royal Psychiatric Society will become the UK’s most neurodiversity-friendly Royal College of Medicine, and inspire other organizations to do the same. We want to play a role going forward across the medical profession to ensure a better understanding and acceptance of autism and neurodivergence.
Citing this article: https://doi.org/10.53053/STDM4605
