The experiences of autistic medical students in relation to seeking and receiving online support: A phenomenological study

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Cooper, S., Doherty, M., & Shaw, S. C. K. (2026). The experiences of autistic medical students in relation to seeking and receiving online support: A phenomenological study. PLOS One, 21(3), e0345156. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345156

Publication date: 20 Mar 2026 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
3
Publication authors identified as autistic
2 / 3 (66.7%)
  1. Samantha Cooper
  2. Mary Doherty *
  3. Sebastian Charles Keith Shaw *

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that autistic medical students experienced specific challenges throughout their medical studies, including isolation, bullying, and discrimination from their institutions - alongside receiving minimal support. Despite this, it has been argued that many autistic characteristics are well aligned with practising medicine, bringing key benefits to patient care. 'Autistic Medical Students' (AMS) is an online international support group, containing over 200 members - a sub-group of Autistic Doctors International. This study aims to explore the experiences of AMS membership and if membership has any wider impacts on medical studies or wellbeing. Within this, it aims to explore the experiences that led to seeking this support. METHODS: This was a qualitative study. Five participants from AMS were recruited. Semi-structured, 1:1 interviews were conducted via Zoom. These were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Group experiential themes included: medical culture, belonging, safety, ability to thrive, internalised optimism for the future, and real modelling. Participants experienced systemic ableism and weaponised professionalism, which led to a sense of helplessness for their futures. AMS had a positive impact on participants. They experienced a sense of belonging, alongside an improved ability to both recognise their own needs and implement accommodations. They also felt better able to advocate for support. 'Real modelling' from peers and autistic doctors motivated participants in their wider medical studies. Of particular benefit was that AMS uniquely encompassed both being autistic and a medical student, making its specific support invaluable. DISCUSSION: Findings were in keeping with previous research. Autistic peer-to-peer communication enabled development of social relationships and self-identity. Autistic medical students and doctors exhibit traits that make them assets to medicine. This study highlights the need for knowledge, acceptance and representation of autism within medical education - to enable autistic medical students to thrive.

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Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
57
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
23 / 57 (40.4%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
50 / 228 (21.9%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 50 / 123 (40.7%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 17 / 180 (9.4%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
123 / 228 (53.9%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 75 / 180 (41.7%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
73 / 123 (59.3%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 73 / 228 (32.0%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 58 / 75 (77.3%).
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