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.
Hey. I have ASD level 1 and I've been a psych LVN for seven years. I started off as a caregiver, CNA, then nurse. You absolutely can do it. Do I have challenges at work? Absolutely. I'm very sensitive to loud sounds but if I get overstimulated, I'll put my earbuds in for a bit. I think you may be well suited for home health. That way, you can work with patients one on one then have some time alone in the car while you're driving to the next patient's home. If not that, then maybe a job where you can have some time to decompress before you have to interact with your patients again. It's important to know what kind of environment overstimulates you the most so that way you can choose something that may be a little bit more manageable. If it's your dream to become a nurse, don't let anything stop you. You absolutely can be a nurse and have ASD. I hope this helps and best of luck to you!
Yes, you can become a nurse. It may not be easy at times but you can do it. I definitely would recommend you to know your strength and weaknesses. If you are tenderhearted (have a hard time accepting criticism AKA Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria), I would definitely seek out some counseling for this. I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder level 1 without accompanying intellectual impairment and without accompanying language impairment at the age of 63. Nursing is a second career for me. I'm a retired counselor. I have had a few instances of being bullied by certain personalities in both my first career and in nursing job (actually was at a psychiatric hospital). I think this was because of my social skills issues and having such a high sense of justice. I'm not good at politics and don't believe in taking shortcuts. Unfortunately I have a slow processing speed and issues with my working memory so I definitely can't work in the ER or in a fast paced environment. Knowing your strengths will help you excel in the specific area of nursing that taps into your strengths. The one thing I'm learning about autism is that we are really great in certain areas but weak in other areas.
Specializes in Oncology, Hospice, Clinical Trials, Research.
I know this is VERY late in the game, but I'm a nurse with ASD/ASC (we prefer "Condition," not "Disorder"). I do very well in my areas: oncology, hospice, palliative care, clinical trials, research. I do NOT do well in trauma or ED (too fast paced). I'm hoping that since it's been over a decade since you posted this that you actually went to nursing school and are doing well. :)
Christina Haney, LVN
2 Posts
Hey. I have ASD level 1 and I've been a psych LVN for seven years. I started off as a caregiver, CNA, then nurse. You absolutely can do it. Do I have challenges at work? Absolutely. I'm very sensitive to loud sounds but if I get overstimulated, I'll put my earbuds in for a bit. I think you may be well suited for home health. That way, you can work with patients one on one then have some time alone in the car while you're driving to the next patient's home. If not that, then maybe a job where you can have some time to decompress before you have to interact with your patients again. It's important to know what kind of environment overstimulates you the most so that way you can choose something that may be a little bit more manageable. If it's your dream to become a nurse, don't let anything stop you. You absolutely can be a nurse and have ASD. I hope this helps and best of luck to you!