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Saving Lives on the Spectrum: Exploring the Experiences of Neurodivergent Professionals Working in a Highly Regulated Healthcare Environment

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Date

2025

Authors

Supervisor

Meads, Jake
Shepherd, Daniel

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Master of Philosophy

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

For health professionals: This study explores the experiences of neurodivergent healthcare professionals working in highly regulated healthcare environments in Aotearoa New Zealand. Employing a qualitative approach, the research aimed to understand the unique challenges these individuals face in navigating workplace expectations, hierarchies, and professional norms within regulated professions such as nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, and pharmacy. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with neurodivergent healthcare professionals to gather in-depth insights into their lived experiences, including workplace challenges, coping mechanisms, barriers to career progression, and recommendations for creating more inclusive environments. Thematic analysis revealed key themes such as executive dysfunction, difficulties with interpersonal relationships and communication, moral distress, workplace bullying, and the lack of accommodations or understanding of neurodivergent traits. Despite these challenges, participants highlighted their strengths, including creativity, empathy, and problem-solving, which contribute significantly to patient care. They emphasised the need for accommodations such as flexible rostering, and neurodiversity training for staff, as well as improved mental health support and person-centred leadership. This research contributes to the understanding of neurodivergent experiences in healthcare and provides actionable insights for fostering inclusion, well-being, and career satisfaction for neurodivergent professionals. It also lays the groundwork for future research and policy development to support diversity and equity in healthcare workplaces. For laypeople: This study looks at the experiences of neurodivergent (ADHD and/or autistic) healthcare professionals working in tightly regulated environments like nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, and pharmacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through interviews, the research aimed to understand the challenges they face in balancing workplace expectations and meeting professional norms. Participants shared their experiences of issues such as difficulties with organisation, communication, workplace bullying, and a lack of understanding or support for neurodivergent needs. Despite these challenges, they highlighted their strengths, including creativity, empathy, and innovative problem-solving, which make a positive impact on patient care. Participants also suggested changes to make workplaces more inclusive, like flexible schedules, access to mental health support, and leadership that focuses on individual needs. This research offers valuable insights into how workplaces can better support neurodivergent professionals and improve their well-being and career satisfaction, while also laying the foundation for future improvements in workplace diversity and equity.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/19267

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Masters Theses