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?
Posted Aug 31, 2026, 2:19 AM UTC