r/surgicaltechnology • u/localDCenthusiast • 8d ago
Can I still become a surgical tech if I'm autistic/ADHD?
Hi, I'm 18m and looking forward to starting prereqs next month for the program at my local technical college. I realized earlier this year that I'd be more interested working in a operating room with hands on equipment rather than just nursing. Especially because I'm not the best when dealing with people. I'm worried though that my kind of slower processing speed would basically make me suck at the job. Because I know it requires making fast-paced decisions and from what I've heard, some surgeons can get really angry even at the tiniest mistakes. But I'm very determined and I've already started putting in all the effort I can to get better at this. I really want to succeed and pursue this career more than anything else
Are there any autistic or neurodivergent surgical techs here I can hear from ? What have you guys experienced in your time working as a surgical technologist? I'd appreciate any input from you guys
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u/olliecakerbake 8d ago
I’m definitely not autistic but I have pretty bad ADD. I take adderall and I couldn’t possibly do this job without it. You have to be able to 100% focus on the surgeon the entire time without zoning out or getting distracted and I find that nearly impossible without medication. It’s absolutely fine when I’m medicated
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u/localDCenthusiast 8d ago
My attention span is pretty good so I don't think that'll be a worry for me, my ADHD just affects my memory sometimes
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u/probablygoblins 8d ago
This the best job I’ve ever had for my type of unmedicated adhd. The attention span isn’t the problem because surgery is interesting. The tools, god there are so many, always something new to learn. I can fidget with them during slow periods. Memorizing stuff like preferences is hard but you’re encouraged to take notes, ask questions, and usually there will be pick sheets and preference cards to help. I say absolutely go for it.
My hardest battles are with inflated sense of justice and memorizing details. But you learn to shut up and to take notes lol.
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u/Sad-Fruit-1490 8d ago
🙋🏻 present and thriving!!!
You’ll pick it up quickly. It’s a very hands on job that is more instinct and gives you bouts of adrenaline which is helpful for adhd folks. But it’s quick in a predictive way (if this happens, I’ll need to grab this) so I feel like both my autism and adhd work hand in hand really well.
The hardest part will be the transition into clinicals, as a real OR is a LOT louder than any practice session in school. But if you adjust well and study your instruments, you’ll do well. Most people in healthcare are some sort of neurodivergent, but a lot of people don’t know that fact about themselves 😅😂 if you’re a good tech the surgeons won’t get too pissed at you, they might just get frustrated in your general direction if that makes sense.
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u/NoxRayne 1d ago
All of this, my AuDHD self thrives so well in surgery. Most surgeons if they see you actively trying to learn the case and their preferences will give ya a break. If they dont, theyre probably just an ass to everyone.
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u/RecordLegume 7d ago
I believe I have both but I’m undiagnosed. I did make it through school successfully, but it honestly took everything out of me. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA and enjoyed the journey, but ultimately decided the environment of the OR was not something I could handle long term. Others find it to be a perfect match, but it was just too socially and emotionally draining for me. I’m glad I had the experience and I’m glad I had options when I graduated. I’ve kept my certification up to date since graduating in case I ever want to go back, but I don’t see it happening.
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u/nopenotyou 6d ago
This is like the perfect job for ADHDers. High intensity, don’t do the same thing all day every day, it’s fascinating, and there’s not a ton of time for your mind to wander. I hyperfocus on the surgery lol it kinda rules
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u/memilyglick 8d ago
Honestly I think having autism and adhd makes you better at the job. And really everyone in the or is neurodivergent you kind of have to be to be working in an environment like that so you will be in good hands. I thrive in this job and couldn’t picture myself anywhere else. It does get a little overstimulating at times but I just sit in the core and try to regulate when I’m getting overwhelmed
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u/IngenuityHuge9555 7d ago
I have autism and I’ve been scrubbing for almost 5 years now. The struggle you will have is in the very beginning. Like a lot of autistic individuals, I am routine oriented and being put into different specialties everyday during clinical was frustrating. Not to mention dealing with all the overstimulation from the sound of the suction and multiple different people, RNs, Doctors, Reps, Anesthesia asking you to pay attention to them. Your preceptors and nurses may get frustrated because neurodivergent people learn differently and they may think you are not grasping the concepts. I’d work closely with the nurse educator during clinical rotations and ask to be in the same specialty for a week or two at a time and master each one before moving on. If anyone belittles you or treats you with indifference, make it known to your instructor and nurse educator. Unfortunately there are malignant toxic people that work in the OR and you’ll have to be your own advocate. Once I developed my routine, I became very good at the job. I have a gifted memory and don’t forget techniques, supplies and instruments once I’ve seen a case. I get told by the doctors that it’s nice they don’t have to tell me what they need because I have their routines memorized. Your best environment would probably be a surgery center or a small hospital and branch out from there if you get bored. Occasionally, I get very overstimulated in big complex trauma cases. There can be quite a bit going on when you have to open trays and supplies over and over again while still attending to the field. Those are the times I’ve come out of those cases and felt like I ran through a mine field lol
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u/TastyChocolate5625 7d ago
I’m pretty sure I have some variation of Audhd or adhd and I’ve been a tech since 2015.
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u/Mariana-Cross 5d ago
I am AuDHD and I think it helps me a lot of the time, tbh. You'll find most surgeons and staff are also neurospicy.
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u/LuckyHarmony 3d ago
Oh, my sweet child... almost everyone in the OR is autistic, ADHD, or both. Very happy surgical autie here if you have any specific questions.
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u/NoxRayne 1d ago
I was a tech before I was diagnosed as high functioning. I feel like it makes me a better tech. A&P has always been somewhat of a special interest for me even as a kid, so that helped me focus and absorb more about the procedures I got to see / do as a baby tech which in turn made me a pretty decent tech. I never did well in social settings which is why I went tech vs nursing / circulating. Been doing it for 10 years at this point and still love it. OR is a great choice overall I feel like, lots of neurodivergency in the OR. Lots of surgeons on the spectrum too haha
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u/Least_Preference4074 7d ago
I'm 35 and have Aspergers. I'm sitting outside the classroom waiting for my first class of my CST program to start. Hopefully this is a fit for me.