Neurodivergent doctors may experience differences in how they:

• Process information

• Organise tasks

• Learn or sit assessments

This can affect training experiences in different ways.  Everyone is different, but support may be helpful with:

• Time management and meeting deadlines

• Planning, organisation, and prioritisation

• Working memory (holding and recalling information)

• Processing speed

• Communication or team working in busy clinical settings

• Exam preparation and performance

Having difficulties in these areas does not automatically mean you are neurodivergent.  

 

Additional factors that may influence experience

Cultural and demographic factors:  Neurodivergence may not be widely recognised or understood in all cultures. International medical graduates (IMGs) may face additional barriers, including differences in how neurodivergence presents or is discussed.

Masking:  Masking is when someone consciously or unconsciously hides neurodivergent traits to fit into a neurotypical environment.  This can include:

• Copying social behaviours

• Suppressing natural responses

• Hiding sensory needs

Masking can be exhausting and may impact wellbeing.

Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD):  RSD is an intense emotional response to perceived criticism, rejection, or failure.  It is more common in people with ADHD and can make feedback difficult to process.

Pervasive desire for autonomy (PDA):  PDA involves high anxiety around demands or expectations and is more common in autistic individuals.  This may look like:

• Avoidance or procrastination

• Difficulty following rigid rules

• Anxiety or overwhelm

Offering choice, flexibility, and clear communication can be helpful.

This page was last updated on: 17.07.2026 at 08.44