Can you be autistic and a train driver?

Okay, so can someone be autistic and drive trains? Absolutely! It’s actually way more possible than you might think, and honestly, it’s kinda cool.

See, there’s this whole movement happening – neurodiversity initiatives – that’s opening up the rail industry to all sorts of different minds. Which is fantastic, right? I mean, why wouldn’t you want a diverse team?

Take Ewan McDermott, for example. He’s a train driver for GWR and he’s also autistic. And he’s not just doing the job, he’s thriving! Isn’t that amazing? It just goes to show you that when companies actually embrace inclusive hiring practices and make accommodations for people, everyone benefits. I bet GWR gets some seriously dedicated and skilled drivers because of it. You know, someone who notices even the tiniest detail.

I remember reading something about how people on the spectrum often have incredible attention to detail. I was thinking, “Hey, that’s perfect for driving a train! You’d want someone who notices everything!” So yeah, it’s not just possible to be autistic and a train driver, it can actually be a real strength. Food for thought, huh?