Borderline Autistic and want to sit GAMSAT

Alita · Rookie Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 3

Hi everyone Very Happy

This is my first time posting on this forum. I want to sit the GAMSAT in 2010 but am not very confident in my abilities. My background is Arts/Science with English and Biochem majors. I am a teacher and am finding it challenging, to say the least, mainly because I have always had a bit of a problem with social situations and trying to interpret people's feelings and attitudes, as I am a borderline autistic. I was just wondering, since social knowledge and logic seem to be big requirements on the GAMSAT, what my chances are. I have a good memory but I can often misinterpret questions or go off on mental tangents that end up wasting a lot of time in exam situations. Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks for listening. Very Happy

jerry · Rookie Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

Let me start by saying I have zero experience in the admission interview, study and practice of medicine, so take this with a grain of salt Smile

I tend to try and look for the best in things; a person's intentions, not necessarily their actions, define the nobility of their behaviour. If you can't read feelings, but you clearly care, then perhaps it doesn't matter so much?

I'm speculating here, maybe you should investigate further if this sounds interesting - there's probably jobs in medicine (medical research?) where you don't have to deal with people much at all, if you don't want to that is....

If you're passionate about Med and you know it's where you want to go, then have a run at it next year! If you're not sure of your skills, get a practice test and give it a shot. Sorry to be continually beating the Des drum, but his material is the only I'm familiar with - Des's preparation course began with a small practice exam, the result of the exam was supposed to give you an idea of where you're at and how much work is required to get to a level that will earn you an interview. Maybe drop him an email and ask about it.

From the whole GAMSAT experience, one of the key takeaways for me is, any part GS I'm not strong enough in can be learned and mastered over time. While I by no means understand what it's like to be "Borderline Autistic", I'd like to think that if you put your back into it, you'd be successful in skilling up in any areas requiring attention.

One more thing, at all levels from the CEO down, my employer has been drumming diversity and inclusion into us: if we embrace the different ways that different people think, regardless of gender, religion, sexuality, etc, etc, then the quality of our product seems to benefit. Perhaps you could have an advantage over "normal" students/doctors because you think differently; approaching a problem from a different angle can yield a new solution. Einstein knew this when he said "The problems of today cannot be solved with the same thinking that gave us the problems in the first place".

Anyway, /end_rant Smile

Good luck!

Lovebite · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:01 pm Post subject:

Don't be so quick to pidgeon hole yourself as "borderline Autistic". There are loads of people in all walks of life which display characteristics and traits of a number of metal illnesses/disorders, and that doesn't make them unsuited, or poor at their jobs.

Some areas of medicine may actually suit people which specific personality trait profiles.... Think about the strengths you have as a person, and where they may be best employed? its not that hard to imagine that if you're a meticulous person, that you may make a great Pathologist, Radiologist or indeed very successful in many other really cool and interesting specialities.

Then you can look at the areas where you struggle (be really honest with yourself), and then work on it. Everyone struggles with different things, and thats just a challenge for you to overcome. Think of it as a mountain to climb, and start out one step at a time.... If you struggle interacting with people? no worries, why not start by trying to talk to someone new every day. You only get better at things through exposure, and practice, and trial and error.

Maybe you could consider getting involved in a charity or a social group where you are working with people for a specific purpose, so that the social interaction is a little more task oriented? I know that meeting new people and interacting in new groups is always easier for me if there is a task involved. As difficult as I'm sure the teaching is, I bet its doing wonders for you.....

It doesn't really matter what your weaknesses are, its important to know that in order for you to grow as a person, you need to be prepared to get a little outside your comfort zone, and work on those areas you identify for development..... and I'm not talking about jumping in the deep end... remember that. Just one step at a time.

Scrub_keener · Rookie Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Posts: 1

Alita, social skills can be learned and mastered. Many people with Asperger's syndrome can consult with their doctor or psychologist to analytically learn social skills. Further, looking at reversing the logic, people who have not been diagnosed as bordeline autistic do not necessarily have great social skills. This is such a subjective knowledge base, if you want to improve then go to a psychologist for advice, they will give you a series of projects to enhance your knowledge of reacting in social situations.

I have great social skills, but there are environments where I am out of my depth, I then have to learn how to react - although many people think social skills are innate - they are not, they are learned behaviours that you can learn.

Further, you do not have to disclose your medical information, go in like anyother candidate and do your best.

My stepfather has Asperger's and he is a wonderful, charming man - not without his quirks - but this makes him who he is, he was a respected teacher until his retirement.

Don't be discouraged, there are prejudices in the medical community as well as the general public. You know you're capable and don't let anything stop you.

Good luck!

GAMSATtutor · Veteran Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 51

Alita

you sound intelligent and you will get a place

maybe get some hospital experience (or similar) to get a head start on the questions they will ask in the interview

nobody is perfect

go for it

eisoj · Regular Joined: 27 Jul 2010 Posts: 14

Social skills are very important in medicine. The majority of complaints filed against doctors involve lack of communication. I don't mean to discourage you I'm just trying to help you gain a wide perspective of the issue. You will be put in siuations what even people without a spectrum disorder would find difficult (eg telling a family a loved one has died or trying to pick up on a patients 'cry for help' or trying to overcome resistance in a patient who is refusing care) even if you went into research you would be expected to become a member of faculty, teach, and present at conferences. My brother is autistic so I know what its like. If you have borderline autism you may be able to do it (you know your limits better than anyone).

eisoj · Regular Joined: 27 Jul 2010 Posts: 14

ha, I just realised that post was from over a year ago.... Embarassed