Any nurses with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)?

Are there any nurses diagnosed with ASD? I've been researching this topic for quite some time, and I couldn't find any results. All I came across are people having traits of this disorder but not being diagnosed.

I have ASD, and I'm debating if the nursing field is for me. I am an excellent CNA, and I can do physical care with no problems, but being social with patients is my greatest challenge. I struggle with the social aspect of nursing care, and it can affect my work significantly. I am going to cognitive-linguistic therapy to improve my social communication skills and to help me understand what to do in social situations.

Should I pursue a nursing degree? Any opinions and experiences with this subject? Also, if direct nursing care doesn't sound like something I should do, does anyone have any other recommendations? Thank you for your time in reading this post, and hopefully, I'll get a response.

[Dreaming4acute87]

I do not have ASD, but if you are a good CNA, then why should you not be a good nurse? Consider asking for some feedback from your employer; what are your reviews like? I am sure you can bring something special to the field. A friend of mine has Asperger's Syndrome and is a music teacher at a public school. She has some mentors and utilizes them when needed. You can do whatever you put your mind to, and nursing is a LARGE and dynamic field of work; you will find your niche!

[deadrn]

I have Aspergers Syndrome, as well as chronic depression, and have been a nurse for 16 years. It has certainly been a challenge, but I have managed. I'm currently a NICU nurse and love the job, although small talk with the parents and teaching them is difficult. No one but my immediate family is aware of the Aspergers. I have not disclosed this to my employer as it doesn't affect my ability to do my job on any tangible level. The depression is more of a player in this regard as it results in the occasional ill call, but it interferes no more with my ability to do my job than acid reflux does, ha. The primary problem an autism spectrum disorder is going to have as far as nursing is concerned is in your social interactions. As previously stated, nursing is a very dynamic field; you will find your niche. Personally, I think working in the OR, either as a nurse or a surg/scrub tech, would be the ideal healthcare job for someone with an autism spectrum disorder. Many of the surgeons and anesthesia people would probably have the same diagnosis as you, honestly. Sorry, I can't offer more other than to say you can do anything you put your mind to.

[newenglandcna]

My reviews are outstanding, even though I had a few clients request that I don't work for them due to my lack of social understanding. I'm sure I'll find my niche, but I need to be thoughtful about where I work due to my medical conditions. I have rapid-cycling bipolar disorder (more than four episodes of mania and/or depression in one year), ADHD, and various forms of anxiety. I have to be careful in working in high-stress situations; I have been hospitalized twice due to being overwhelmed by my job in combination with being manic within the past two years.

My answer to finding my niche is difficult, and I don't expect anyone to answer it for me. I appreciate that I got comments in regard to my ASD; thank you for your time, everyone.

[LL977]

I have ASD (Aspergers) and I've quit or been terminated from the last 3 jobs. The 2nd job has me on "personal leave" because they claim I am unable to provide safe nursing care. To be honest I'm really really angry. I checked out the Job Accommodations network to get ideas ... they claimed my idea of ear plugs to block out the chatter and constant banter at work was not acceptable. I am going to speak with a JAN representative Monday. They claimed JAN told them that I will be unable to be a nurse in an inpatient setting. (Ridiculous because although I didn't do things that would cost me my license - I did provide safe patient care). I think what it boils down to is that a few people dislike me and because they do not understand or care to understand what goes on in my head - they chose to scapegoat me and write me off.

I saw the post about surgical/or ... that's interesting. I would think that would be very stressful and my stimming would drive everyone crazy. I guess it's worth some further thought though. LOL about everyone in the room having the same diagnosis - it's probably true!

[twalkrn]

Hi deadrn,

I realize this is an older post, but I was wondering if you have an above-average IQ. Do you think a person with an IQ in the average range with PDD could handle a job as an RN?

[markko]

I have Asperger's and ADHD. I was diagnosed in 2005 at age 45. In 1993, I chose to go to nursing school and work has been good. I have a few strange ways of thinking, mainly the thought process to reach a conclusion varies from normal people, but the result is always correct and the same as a normal nurse. It's just the way my brain works. I've been a critical care 911 ambulance nurse, LTC supervisor, and hospital nurse. No problems. I take Invega 6 mg daily to help with socialization and Concerta XL 54 mg for ADHD.

[LudaMama]

Thank you for this. My son is 16 and has autism and ADD. He is currently taking Intro. To Health Care at school and has felt in love. He has decided to become a nurse. As a parent, I have lost sleep and cried my eyes out studying with him in the past. However, with this class, he hardly studied and made straight A's in this class. I am so very proud of him. He and I are going to start mapping out what steps he needs to take and take a tour of the local nursing school. Create a vision board for inspiration and to keep him on his path. Again I am proud of him.

[markko]

When I was 16 years old, I took an "Intro to Health Care Careers" course in high school. At age 17, I became a CNA and EMT. I worked as an EMT during my senior year in high school and got the OK to carry an EMS pager in school, and was able to leave any class to respond to the ambulance station for calls. The principal gave me a reserved parking spot in front of the school, and the EMS station was just two blocks away. I ended up getting a D- in Chemistry for the year because I missed so many classes while doing EMS work. I didn't care. I worked as an ER Tech from 1987 to 1993 at the local hospital. I enrolled in nursing school in 1991 and graduated with a BSN in just five semesters. I quickly transitioned from the ER Tech to the RN role quite easily. In 2000, I took a job as a LTC supervisor. From 2005 until retirement in 2015, I worked as a critical care 911 ambulance nurse.

[twalkrn]

Thank you for your response. That is wonderful to hear. Stay safe. ??