Post Doctoral Fellow- Ideal Aspie Job?

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lucious
Tufted Titmouse
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10 May 2012, 8:04 am

I've recently been accepted into a Phd program for cancer research. I'm wondering if university research/ academia is a good career choice for an aspie as I hear about so many famous scientists being a little 'quirky' but as long as you're good at what you do, you can usually get a free pass for your 'oddness'. The pay is good, minimal if any contact with the public, little speaking involved except with a few colleagues and it emphasizes the 'intense interest' trait of an aspie (mine is science). I've even it said a few times that a dash of autism is essential for success in the sciences.

I've worked in sales before and after a constant barrage of firings and tests of my sanity, decided interaction with the general public is not for me.



McAnulty
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10 May 2012, 8:20 am

Do a google search for "the autistic advantage globe and mail" it's an article about how people with ASD's are proving to be incredibly valuable and well suited to scientific research teams.



lucious
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10 May 2012, 8:51 am

Doesn't surprise me, practically all the greatest geniuses were a bit weird and quirky. " Slightly autistic" almost epitomizes scientific genius. Crick, Mullis, Edison, Einstein, Wittgenstein, Sidis etc....the list speaks for itself.

Thanks for the recommendation will look into it- but I also think the additional advantage of academia is that is far removed from the "rat race" and "cubicle-ishness" which typifies the average joes office job- researchers dont exactly have to sit in cubicles with managers breathing down their necks all day, and you're focused 100% on your passion. Most importantly, your colleagues are always like minded individuals because noone completes a Phd if they didnt really want it or werent intelligent. Maybe they arent on the autistic spectrum, but it'd be easy to get along with them (got along instantly with my supervisor when I met him). I've never get along with my colleagues in sales jobs, or any job where I sat in a cubicle doing the 9-5



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10 May 2012, 9:57 am

Scientists often have "autistic" type traits. I think it says a lot about the theory that ASD's are just an extreme end of the norm. I do not have an ASD (my son does), but I do prefer scientific thought and talk and would much rather spend my day surrounded by people with Aspergers who I can discuss science with and have intellectual conversations, than the type of people who occupy those "cubicle, typical joe" types of jobs. I suspect many of the people you may work with in academia will feel the same way! I think you've chosen an ideal career for yourself.