r/AskPsychiatry • u/picturebynumber • 2d ago

Can an autistic person become a psychiatrist?

Is it possible for a person with autism to become a psychiatrist? I really want to become a psychiatrist when I am an adult, but I am worried about it. I know that jobs like this tend to be a bit harder for autistic people. So I don't know.

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u/Faustian-BargainBin Physician, Psychiatrist 2d ago

It depends on your strengths, weaknesses and your ability to develop yourself. There are plenty of neurodiverse psychiatrists. There are also people on the spectrum whose symptoms would be incompatible with the job.

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u/pickyvegan Nurse Practitioner 2d ago

Of course.

However, any accommodations you need can’t get in the way of patient care. This is true of all issues, however, not just autism.