- Joined
- Aug 31, 2021
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Even though, according to my peer reviewers, I did an exceptional job of showing that I overcame my disorder:
ER Tech MME:At four years old, I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Physicians were unsure as to whether or not I would be able to live independently, so I received early intervention applied behavior analysis therapy. This was my first conscious exposure to a scientific practice used in a clinical setting, which I would later find to be the beginning of my desire to pursue a career in medicine... ...all my life I was told my autism would be detrimental, yet here I was providing basic life support medical care... ...from being unsure as to whether or not I would be able to live independently, to seeking a terminal degree of clinical practice, this is my desire to pursue a career in medicine. I hope my story resonates with you.
The emergency room can be a scary place for a lot of people, and especially children. This young man was no exception, but my interaction with him stands out. I remember noticing him and his mother as I walked down a hall. They were sitting on a bench outside the trauma bay. He was visibly distraught, and was being comforted by her. I got to his level and asked what was wrong, but he didn’t acknowledge my presence. He was exhibiting self-stimulatory behavior, so as I turned to mom, she mentioned that he has autism spectrum disorder. I turned back to him and said, “Hey man, you and I aren't much different, because I have autism too.” I redirected his stimming with some cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as having him perform square breathing with me, which is a form of slow and methodical breathing to help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. I can only assume that, knowing he was not alone with his disorder, made him comfortable. He calmed down, and seemed to stay that way every time I walked by thereafter. My autism brings a unique perspective to the emergency room. I like to think fostering a neurodiverse space helps patients, and I look forward to continuing to do so as I pursue medicine.