Breaking Barriers: Working in Healthcare with Autism

Working in medicine presents truly testing challenges for anyone. Adding the uncertainty that comes with autism can take these challenges to new heights. So how do those with autism break down the barriers of their diagnoses to become effective members of the healthcare community? And are there benefits to having such a unique mental approach to tasks?

 

HEALTH & WELLBEING SPECIALIST LIZ CROWE SITS DOWN WITH CANDICE CARLISLE – A NURSE IN THE ACUTE PAIN SPECIALTY TEAM WHO ALSO HAS AUTISM. CANDICE ADDRESSES THE ASSUMPTIONS, CHALLENGES & UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OF BEING AN AUTISTIC MEMBER OF THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE.

 

Candice begins by recognising the key role that autism plays in shaping her identity, and the importance of not shying away from her diagnosis. In saying this, she also affirms that having autism does not define who she is. Having two children with autism, Candice also ensures that they embrace the condition and see it as a good thing.

 

CANDICE GOES ON TO EXPLAIN HOW THOSE WITHOUT AUTISM CAN “DO THE RIGHT THING” WHEN ADDRESSING THOSE WITH THE CONDITION.

 

“For me, just knowing that people have the knowledge,” “…that’s fantastic.” Candice states that recognising autism within conversations and acknowledging the differences in a positive, open-minded light is helpful.

 

LIZ DIRECTS THE CONVERSATION TO CANDICE’S CAREER AS A NURSE AND HOW HER AUTISM AFFECTS HER WORK.

 

Candice concedes that the changes brought about by Covid were very difficult to deal with due to her reliance on routine. Different autism-specific anxieties make accepting change very difficult. Despite this, Candice explains that there are unexpected benefits to having autism in her line of work – the standout ones being attention-to-detail and situational awareness. She also explains how mechanisms like mimicry & masking can help autistic people cope in many areas of work and life.

 

THE PAIR CONCLUDE BY DISCUSSING THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT FROM THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE AUTISM, PARTICULARLY IN THE WORKFORCE.

 

 

Tune in to this unique, insightful take on autism with Liz Crowe & Candice Carlisle.

Breaking Barriers: Working in Healthcare with Autism

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