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Can I Work in Security if I’m Neurodivergent? Exploring Your Options with Asset College
Neurodiversity and the Security Sector
At Asset College, we support a diverse range of learners – including those who identify as neurodivergent. We’re often asked whether someone with autism, ADHD, or other cognitive differences can complete a security course and work in the industry. This article aims to help you reflect on that question realistically and confidently.
We believe in strengths-based thinking – that people with diverse ways of thinking and processing can contribute value in many settings. But we also understand that the security environment brings specific expectations, challenges, and risks.
What Do We Mean by Neurodivergent?
The term “neurodivergent” describes people whose cognitive functioning differs from what’s typically expected. This may include:
- Autism spectrum conditions (including Asperger’s)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Cognitive processing disorders
- Other neurological conditions that affect memory, focus, communication or sensory processing
Neurodivergence is not a mental illness or a deficit – it’s a difference. Many people who identify as neurodivergent bring valuable attention to detail, rule-following, pattern recognition, or situational focus to their work.
Security Work and Neurodiversity: A Realistic View
Security roles require a high level of situational awareness, quick decision-making, and confident communication in dynamic and sometimes stressful environments. While some neurodivergent individuals thrive in such settings, others may face barriers.
You’ll need to consider whether your cognitive strengths and challenges align with the job’s expectations, including:
You’ll need to consider whether your cognitive strengths and challenges align with the job’s expectations, including:
- Interacting with a wide range of people (some of whom may be aggressive, distressed, or unpredictable)
- Making rapid, independent decisions in pressured moments
- Interpreting social cues and conflict dynamics in real time
- Managing distractions, noise, and interruptions
- Remaining flexible and alert during shift work, including nights and weekends
- Following procedures exactly as required by law and workplace policy
Some aspects of neurodivergence may make these tasks easier. Others may present challenges that need to be planned for.
What Matters Most in Training
When it comes to training, our focus is your ability to:
- Participate safely and respectfully
- Understand and follow instructions
- Engage with group work, simulations, and assessment tasks
- Accurately complete reports and communication exercises
- Demonstrate your competency across a wide range of security scenarios
If you disclose a diagnosis or learning difference, we’ll work with you to explore whether any adjustments might help you succeed. However, we may also require a Fitness to Participate clearance from your medical or allied health provider to ensure training is safe and suitable for you.
Integrity, Safety and Inclusion: Our Balanced Approach
Asset College is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has a chance to succeed. However, we must balance this with our obligations to ensure:
- Safety of all participants
- Integrity of training and assessment
- Practicality of delivering group-based learning
- Fair participation for all students
We will not offer adjustments that interfere with those principles. That includes changes to assessment criteria, relaxing legal requirements, or removing key tasks from training.
What We’re Not - and Why That Matters
Our staff are not psychologists, occupational therapists or behaviour specialists. While many of us have lived experience or training in supporting diverse learners, we are not clinical experts.
That’s why we may ask for a Fitness to Participate form to be completed by your doctor, psychologist, or specialist. This helps us support you better – and helps you make the right decision about pursuing training and future employment.
That’s why we may ask for a Fitness to Participate form to be completed by your doctor, psychologist, or specialist. This helps us support you better – and helps you make the right decision about pursuing training and future employment.
Decision-Making Checklist: Is Security Right for Me?
Before enrolling, ask yourself:
- Can I manage unexpected changes or sensory input (noise, crowds, lights)?
- Am I confident communicating clearly and assertively in a variety of social situations?
- Can I interpret others’ behaviour in high-stress or emotional environments?
- Do I work well under pressure, including when multitasking or problem-solving?
- Am I able to self-regulate my responses to frustration, confrontation, or complex instructions?
- Have I discussed this career pathway with a healthcare professional who understands my diagnosis?
Answering “no” to some of these doesn’t mean security is off-limits – but it does mean further discussion may be important.
Strengths of Neurodivergent People in Security
It’s worth noting that some neurodivergent individuals excel in security roles, particularly in:
- Surveillance and monitoring
- Access control
- Site patrols with structured routines
- Positions that require strict rule-following and detail orientation
- Roles involving risk analysis or investigative tasks
Matching your strengths to the right kind of security work is key. Not every role suits every person – but there may be a path that works for you.
Exploring Your Path, On Your Terms
If you identify as neurodivergent, we welcome your enquiry and interest in training. Our team is here to provide you with honest, supportive advice so that you can make a decision that is right for you.
We don’t make assumptions about ability based on labels – but we do expect every student to meet the same standards for safety, communication, professionalism and competency. If you’re up for that challenge and want to explore further, we’re ready to support you on the journey.
We don’t make assumptions about ability based on labels – but we do expect every student to meet the same standards for safety, communication, professionalism and competency. If you’re up for that challenge and want to explore further, we’re ready to support you on the journey.
Disclaimer
Please note: Training with Asset College does not guarantee that you will be eligible for a security licence or employment in the industry. Licensing decisions are made by the relevant state or territory regulators. Employers may have their own requirements for fitness for duty, availability, and role suitability. We recommend seeking independent medical and professional advice before making enrolment or career decisions.
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