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Editorial
Volume 50, Issue 3, March 2021

Embracing neurodiversity in medicine

Georgina Taylor   
doi: 10.31128/AJGP-03-21-1234e   |    Download article
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The world needs all kinds of minds.

 – Dr Temple Grandin1

Neurodiversity refers to variations between human minds occurring naturally within a population, and includes conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and dyslexia. This model recognises strengths alongside challenges and is often positioned in contrast to traditional medical models in which diagnostic criteria are based on perceived deficits and presumption of pathology. Language changes with time to reflect updated thinking. The current Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, describes ‘autism spectrum disorder’,2 but terminology that removes the use of ‘disorder’ is increasingly favoured, such as ‘autism spectrum condition’ or simply ‘autism’.3,4

Neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD are present across the lifespan but may look different at each stage of life. Efforts to improve early diagnosis are important and can maximise the support available,5 but presentations missed in early childhood may be detected later. Commonly, this might occur when demands exceed coping strategies or when a diagnosis made in a family member sparks recognition. Bradshaw et al discuss adult diagnosis of autism,6 and Poulton highlights differing presentations of ADHD across the lifespan.7

The period following a diagnosis may be a time of particular need for support, as the life experience of the individual is re-evaluated through this new lens. General practitioners are well placed to support their neurodivergent patients once recognised, with or without a formal diagnosis. Improving the experience of seeking healthcare for autistic patients requires consideration of the healthcare journey from making an appointment through to the clinic environment itself, which can be experienced as bright, loud and overwhelming.6

In addition to detecting neurodivergence among our patients, we may well recognise this in our own ranks. Autistic doctors are found in many areas of medicine,8,9 including general practice,3,10 as well as the next generation of doctors in training.11 Lived experience brings an understanding and empathy for autistic patients, and autistic doctors’ particular strengths may include focus, attention to detail and pattern recognition8 – all traits that are valuable in medicine and recognised as such in many other work environments.12 Reasonable adjustments may be required to support the doctor in their workplace, and autism can be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act.13 Of course, it is important to keep in mind that ‘if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person’3 – the same is true if you have met an autistic doctor.

The medical profession is rightly working to increase representation for many aspects of diversity within the profession, including race, gender and socioeconomic circumstances. The same should be true of diverse minds.

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References
  1. Grandin T. The world needs all kinds of minds [Internet]. Vancouver, CA: TEDEd, 10 Feb 2013. Video: 19:43. Available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKhg68QJlo0&feature=emb_title [Accessed 25 January 2021]. Search PubMed
  2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th edn. Arlington, VA: APA, 2013. Search PubMed
  3. Bradshaw P, Pickett C, van Driel ML, Brooker K, Urbanowicz A. ‘Autistic’ or ‘with autism’? Why the way general practitioners view autism matters. Aust J Gen Pract 2021;50(3):104–09. Search PubMed
  4. Baron-Cohen S. Editorial Perspective: Neurodiversity – A revolutionary concept for autism and psychiatry. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017;58(6):744–47. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12703. Search PubMed
  5. Brignell A, Cox G, Ure A, Bernie C, Williams K. Identifying and supporting autistic preschoolers and their families. Aust J Gen Pract 2021;50(3):115–19. Search PubMed
  6. Bradshaw P, Pickett C, van Driel ML, Brooker K, Urbanowicz A. Recognising, supporting and understanding Autistic adults in the general practice setting. Aust J Gen Pract 2021;50(3):126–30. Search PubMed
  7. Poulton A. Recognising ADHD across the lifespan. Aust J Gen Pract 2021;50(3):110–13. Search PubMed
  8. Moore S, Kinnear M, Freeman L. Autistic doctors: Overlooked assets to medicine. Lancet Psychiatry 2020;7(4):306–07. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30087-0. Search PubMed
  9. Doherty M. Neurodiversity in practice: Autistic anaesthetists can be an asset. London, UK: Association of Anaesthetics, 2020. Available at https://anaesthetists.org/Home/Wellbeing-support/Physical-health-and-disabilities/Working-with-a-disability/Neurodiversity-in-practice-autistic-anaesthetists-can-be-an-asset [Accessed 11 January 2021]. Search PubMed
  10. Unigwe S, Buckley C, Crane L, Kenny L, Remington A, Pellicano E. GPs’ confidence in caring for their patients on the autism spectrum: An online self-report study. Br J Gen Pract 2017;67(659):e445–52. doi: 10.3399/bjgp17X690449. Search PubMed
  11. Price S, Lusznat R, Mann R, Locke R. Doctors with Asperger’s: The impact of a diagnosis. Clin Teach 2019;16(1):19–22. doi: 10.1111/tct.12743. Search PubMed
  12. Austin RD, Pisano GP. Neurodiversity as a competitive advantage. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review, 2017. Available at https://hbr.org/2017/05/neurodiversity-as-a-competitive-advantage [Accessed 11 January 2021]. Search PubMed
  13. Australian Human Rights Commission. Autism. Sydney, NSW: AHRC. Available at https://humanrights.gov.au/quick-guide/11937 [Accessed 11 January 2021]. Search PubMed

AdultAutismGeneral practitionersNeurodevelopmentNeurodiversity

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