Hidden in plain sight: Study reveals that psychiatrists who diagnose autism in others are themselves autistic | Health

In a surprising twist, some psychiatrists who typically diagnose their patients with autism discovered that they, too, fall on the autism spectrum. The study from University College Dublin School of Medicine, published in BJPsych Open, expanded on this by following eight psychiatrists in Britain who realized they were autistic. The researchers shed light on the various ways in which autism can manifest itself, going beyond stereotypes.

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Shifting stereotypes

Psychiatry is a very demanding discipline that requires very sharp mental skills, analytical thinking and strong social skills to communicate effectively with patients. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder characterized by communication difficulties, such as repeating certain words and phrases and exhibiting repetitive movements.

This challenges the mainstream view of autistic individuals, who are often thought to be unable to communicate well or understand emotions. However, many of these medical professionals have successfully maneuvered through the complex landscape of psychiatry, portraying a different reality than the common, widespread perception of autism, which generally portrays individuals as socially awkward or unable to succeed in their career.

Some psychiatrists discovered their own autism when they encountered patients whose traits resembled theirs. Others, on the other hand, were aware of their condition because of formal diagnoses they received in childhood.

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A better diagnosis is needed

If the trained medical professionals themselves failed to understand and diagnose their autism, the study suggested that many patients may not have received the proper evaluations they needed.

This concept is called ‘hidden in plain sight’. It’s how traditional medical training and stereotypes about autism can prevent healthcare professionals from recognizing the condition. It implies that even the medical diagnosis process of this neurological condition is loosely based on a very restrained view, failing to recognize the myriad ways in which autism can exist. The highly diagnostic criteria may be stereotypical. But with this new realization, psychiatrists have expanded their understanding of autism and how it is more unique than previously thought.

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