Autism

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, interacts with other people, and experiences the world around them. Clinically it’s called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though many people prefer “autism spectrum condition”, or simply describe themselves as “autistic”.

Autism isn’t an illness or a disease, and it can’t be “cured”. Many autistic people see being autistic as a core part of their identity, in the same way as their nationality or their trade. You’ll hear both “autistic person” and “person with autism”; many autistic adults prefer the first, but it’s always fine to ask.

It’s common for autistic people to also have ADHD, a specific learning difference such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, or anxiety. Autism is often diagnosed later in life, especially in women, and many experienced seafarers have only recently discovered they are autistic.

How autism can affect people

Autism affects everyone differently, and the support people need varies a great deal. Some autistic people need little or no support at work; others need more. Most experiences fall into a few broad areas.

Communication and social interaction

Many autistic people prefer clear, direct and literal communication. Hints, sarcasm, small talk and unwritten social “rules” can be harder to read. An autistic crewmate may be very direct, may not make much eye contact, or may need a little longer to process spoken information.

Sensory processing

Autistic people can be more sensitive, or less sensitive, to noise, light, smell, touch, temperature or vibration. On board, that can mean engine noise, alarms, strong cooking smells or harsh lighting are exhausting, while other people barely notice them.

Routine and predictability

Many autistic people work best with structure and find sudden, unexplained changes stressful. A change of crew, rotation or port call with no notice can be far harder than the work itself.

Focus and interests

Autistic people often have deep, focused interests and detailed knowledge. When that focus lines up with their work, it can be a remarkable asset.

Overwhelm

When demands build up, some autistic people experience a meltdown (an intense, involuntary response to overwhelm) or a shutdown (withdrawing, and finding it hard to speak or respond). Neither is a tantrum or a choice. Reducing stress and allowing a quiet space helps prevent them.

What about Asperger’s syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is no longer given as a separate diagnosis. Both main diagnostic manuals, DSM-5 (2013) and ICD-11 (2022), now include it within the autism spectrum.

Anyone diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in the past still has a completely valid diagnosis, and it’s up to them which term they use. Older labels like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” are also falling out of use, because they don’t reflect how unevenly autism can affect someone’s life.

The employment gap

In many countries, autistic people are among the most under-employed groups. Many want to work, and have the skills to, but are filtered out by recruitment processes or leave jobs that don’t meet their needs. The UK, which publishes detailed figures, is one example.

Autistic strengths

Every autistic person is different, but strengths often include:

Other common strengths include technical aptitude, honesty, logical decision-making, and the ability to work well independently.

Roles that suit autistic strengths

Because autism is a spectrum there’s no single list, but autistic seafarers and maritime professionals work successfully as:

• deck officers, up to and including Master
• engineering officers, up to and including Chief Engineer
• electro-technical officers (ETOs)
• surveyors (flag state, class, on/off-hire), auditors and HSEQ officers
• VTS operators, cargo and logistics planners
• naval architects, technical superintendents and ROV operators

For example, the ability to stay focused for long periods, regardless of distraction, can make an excellent watchkeeper. A strong commitment to rules and procedures, combined with detailed technical knowledge, supports well-informed, compliant decisions and a strong safety culture. And an eye for detail pays off everywhere from cargo operations to maintenance records.

Autism at sea

Life on board brings both advantages and challenges for autistic seafarers.

Small changes make a big difference: clear written instructions, notice of changes, information about a new ship before joining, ear defenders where safe, and crewmates who understand. See our guides on supporting a neurodivergent crewmate, clear communication at sea and, for employers, reasonable adjustments.

Common myths

“Autism only affects men.” Wrong. Autistic women and girls are often diagnosed later or missed altogether, partly because many learn to mask their differences to fit in.

“Autistic people are all good at maths.” Some are; many aren’t. Autistic people have strengths in every field, from engineering to languages and the arts.

“Autistic people can’t get a seafarer medical.” Incorrect. Autism alone doesn’t prevent someone from holding a seafarer medical certificate. Fitness is assessed individually, based on whether a person can do their duties safely. See medical fitness at sea.

“Autistic people lack empathy.” Many autistic people feel empathy deeply but express it differently. Misunderstandings usually run both ways.

“Autistic people can’t hold command.” False. Many autistic people make excellent leaders, able to make objective, logical decisions under pressure.

“Autistic people can’t follow orders.” Incorrect. They follow orders as well as anyone, and may be more likely to speak up when an order is unsafe.