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How do I effectively communicate with a co-worker who has Aspergers? [duplicate]
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How do I deal with talented, but difficult employees?
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I strongly suspect that one of my co-workers has Aspergers. We are both programmers and he doesn't have any issues performing the technical requirements of the job, but
I'm finding it extremely difficult to read what he is feeling and how he will respond to my communication. This has been especially difficult when situations arise in which he has a strong opinion.
He will allude to his brilliance and the team's lack of knowledge/experience/credibility, and is never open to differing opinions. He constantly alienates members on his team and co-workers on other teams (BA/QA) as well.
How do I best communicate with him in a manner that he can understand and doesn't frustrate me to the extreme?
communication colleagues teamwork autism-spectrum
edited Oct 2 '16 at 9:58
Lilienthal♦
54k36183218
asked Mar 6 '15 at 16:55
Reborn Collision
493
marked as duplicate by gnat, yochannah, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jenny D, Garrison Neely Mar 10 '15 at 15:03
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
How do I deal with talented, but difficult employees?
15 answers
I strongly suspect that one of my co-workers has Aspergers. We are both programmers and he doesn't have any issues performing the technical requirements of the job, but
I'm finding it extremely difficult to read what he is feeling and how he will respond to my communication. This has been especially difficult when situations arise in which he has a strong opinion.
He will allude to his brilliance and the team's lack of knowledge/experience/credibility, and is never open to differing opinions. He constantly alienates members on his team and co-workers on other teams (BA/QA) as well.
How do I best communicate with him in a manner that he can understand and doesn't frustrate me to the extreme?
communication colleagues teamwork autism-spectrum
edited Oct 2 '16 at 9:58
Lilienthal♦
54k36183218
asked Mar 6 '15 at 16:55
Reborn Collision
493
marked as duplicate by gnat, yochannah, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jenny D, Garrison Neely Mar 10 '15 at 15:03
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
2
This type of question might be better suited for cogsci.stackexchange.com
– Zibbobz
Mar 6 '15 at 17:16
6
Asperger's is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. Coworkers should expect to be able to communicate with each other without making accommodations for a perceived disorder which they are not equipped to diagnose anyway. I would not assume the person has a mental health issue. Have you guys just talked with him and told him that his demeanor is a problem? Maybe he doesn't know?
– teego1967
Mar 6 '15 at 17:41
@gnat I've dealt with some talented but difficult employees before. This is definitely different. Thanks for the suggestion though...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:47
1
@gnat no, thanks for pointing that out. It was most helpful...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 18:00
1
I have Aspergers' syndrome. The description you give above isn't aspergers, it's obnoxious b***d syndrome. That can be correlated to Aspergers, but not necessarily; in particular aspies (at least those I know) tend not to play a social competition game about how good they are, just focusing on doing the job. That said, this could be someone who has Aspergers' traits but doesn't know what it is, and that is a very uncomfortable place to be in. Handle with care...
– boisvert
Sep 6 '15 at 19:26
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
How do I deal with talented, but difficult employees?
15 answers
I strongly suspect that one of my co-workers has Aspergers. We are both programmers and he doesn't have any issues performing the technical requirements of the job, but
I'm finding it extremely difficult to read what he is feeling and how he will respond to my communication. This has been especially difficult when situations arise in which he has a strong opinion.
He will allude to his brilliance and the team's lack of knowledge/experience/credibility, and is never open to differing opinions. He constantly alienates members on his team and co-workers on other teams (BA/QA) as well.
How do I best communicate with him in a manner that he can understand and doesn't frustrate me to the extreme?
communication colleagues teamwork autism-spectrum
edited Oct 2 '16 at 9:58
Lilienthal♦
54k36183218
asked Mar 6 '15 at 16:55
Reborn Collision
493
This question already has an answer here:
How do I deal with talented, but difficult employees?
15 answers
I strongly suspect that one of my co-workers has Aspergers. We are both programmers and he doesn't have any issues performing the technical requirements of the job, but
I'm finding it extremely difficult to read what he is feeling and how he will respond to my communication. This has been especially difficult when situations arise in which he has a strong opinion.
He will allude to his brilliance and the team's lack of knowledge/experience/credibility, and is never open to differing opinions. He constantly alienates members on his team and co-workers on other teams (BA/QA) as well.
How do I best communicate with him in a manner that he can understand and doesn't frustrate me to the extreme?
This question already has an answer here:
How do I deal with talented, but difficult employees?
15 answers
communication colleagues teamwork autism-spectrum
edited Oct 2 '16 at 9:58
Lilienthal♦
54k36183218
asked Mar 6 '15 at 16:55
Reborn Collision
493
edited Oct 2 '16 at 9:58
Lilienthal♦
54k36183218
edited Oct 2 '16 at 9:58
Lilienthal♦
54k36183218
edited Oct 2 '16 at 9:58
Lilienthal♦
54k36183218
54k36183218
asked Mar 6 '15 at 16:55
Reborn Collision
493
asked Mar 6 '15 at 16:55
Reborn Collision
493
asked Mar 6 '15 at 16:55
Reborn Collision
493
493
marked as duplicate by gnat, yochannah, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jenny D, Garrison Neely Mar 10 '15 at 15:03
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
marked as duplicate by gnat, yochannah, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jenny D, Garrison Neely Mar 10 '15 at 15:03
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
2
This type of question might be better suited for cogsci.stackexchange.com
– Zibbobz
Mar 6 '15 at 17:16
6
Asperger's is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. Coworkers should expect to be able to communicate with each other without making accommodations for a perceived disorder which they are not equipped to diagnose anyway. I would not assume the person has a mental health issue. Have you guys just talked with him and told him that his demeanor is a problem? Maybe he doesn't know?
– teego1967
Mar 6 '15 at 17:41
@gnat I've dealt with some talented but difficult employees before. This is definitely different. Thanks for the suggestion though...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:47
1
@gnat no, thanks for pointing that out. It was most helpful...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 18:00
1
I have Aspergers' syndrome. The description you give above isn't aspergers, it's obnoxious b***d syndrome. That can be correlated to Aspergers, but not necessarily; in particular aspies (at least those I know) tend not to play a social competition game about how good they are, just focusing on doing the job. That said, this could be someone who has Aspergers' traits but doesn't know what it is, and that is a very uncomfortable place to be in. Handle with care...
– boisvert
Sep 6 '15 at 19:26
 |Â
show 3 more comments
2
This type of question might be better suited for cogsci.stackexchange.com
– Zibbobz
Mar 6 '15 at 17:16
6
Asperger's is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. Coworkers should expect to be able to communicate with each other without making accommodations for a perceived disorder which they are not equipped to diagnose anyway. I would not assume the person has a mental health issue. Have you guys just talked with him and told him that his demeanor is a problem? Maybe he doesn't know?
– teego1967
Mar 6 '15 at 17:41
@gnat I've dealt with some talented but difficult employees before. This is definitely different. Thanks for the suggestion though...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:47
1
@gnat no, thanks for pointing that out. It was most helpful...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 18:00
1
I have Aspergers' syndrome. The description you give above isn't aspergers, it's obnoxious b***d syndrome. That can be correlated to Aspergers, but not necessarily; in particular aspies (at least those I know) tend not to play a social competition game about how good they are, just focusing on doing the job. That said, this could be someone who has Aspergers' traits but doesn't know what it is, and that is a very uncomfortable place to be in. Handle with care...
– boisvert
Sep 6 '15 at 19:26
2
2
This type of question might be better suited for cogsci.stackexchange.com
– Zibbobz
Mar 6 '15 at 17:16
This type of question might be better suited for cogsci.stackexchange.com
– Zibbobz
Mar 6 '15 at 17:16
6
6
Asperger's is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. Coworkers should expect to be able to communicate with each other without making accommodations for a perceived disorder which they are not equipped to diagnose anyway. I would not assume the person has a mental health issue. Have you guys just talked with him and told him that his demeanor is a problem? Maybe he doesn't know?
– teego1967
Mar 6 '15 at 17:41
Asperger's is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. Coworkers should expect to be able to communicate with each other without making accommodations for a perceived disorder which they are not equipped to diagnose anyway. I would not assume the person has a mental health issue. Have you guys just talked with him and told him that his demeanor is a problem? Maybe he doesn't know?
– teego1967
Mar 6 '15 at 17:41
@gnat I've dealt with some talented but difficult employees before. This is definitely different. Thanks for the suggestion though...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:47
@gnat I've dealt with some talented but difficult employees before. This is definitely different. Thanks for the suggestion though...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:47
1
1
@gnat no, thanks for pointing that out. It was most helpful...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 18:00
@gnat no, thanks for pointing that out. It was most helpful...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 18:00
1
1
I have Aspergers' syndrome. The description you give above isn't aspergers, it's obnoxious b***d syndrome. That can be correlated to Aspergers, but not necessarily; in particular aspies (at least those I know) tend not to play a social competition game about how good they are, just focusing on doing the job. That said, this could be someone who has Aspergers' traits but doesn't know what it is, and that is a very uncomfortable place to be in. Handle with care...
– boisvert
Sep 6 '15 at 19:26
I have Aspergers' syndrome. The description you give above isn't aspergers, it's obnoxious b***d syndrome. That can be correlated to Aspergers, but not necessarily; in particular aspies (at least those I know) tend not to play a social competition game about how good they are, just focusing on doing the job. That said, this could be someone who has Aspergers' traits but doesn't know what it is, and that is a very uncomfortable place to be in. Handle with care...
– boisvert
Sep 6 '15 at 19:26
 |Â
show 3 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
First of all, don't assume it's aspergers. Autism is a very broad-range social/mental disorder, and very difficult to diagnose even for experts. You, I assume, are not an expert on neuroscience, psychology, or sociology, so you should not assume that this person's behavior is necessarily aspergers, or even autistic.
Second, don't assume they'd want to talk about it if it is. Many people do not feel comfortable taling about a social/mental disorder, so don't treat it as something they would definitely be willing to talk about even if you can somehow confirm it is the case.
Third, unless he specifically asks for it, don't try to provide your own special accomodations. Or rather, be patient, be reasonable, explain yourself, and be courteous as you would with any other fellow employee. If you feel there is a problem with team cohesion, address that, not any perceived social/mental disorder he may have. And if it is not interfering with work in any significant way, consider whether or not this is a problem that needs addressing, or simply an idiosyncratic personality.
I have autism, and I have trouble relating to people and how they feel and express emotions. I'm 'difficult to read' and try to compensate by being a little bit outlandish in my behavior, and I'm very sensitive to high levels of noise (not 'loud', but persistent and multi-directional noise) and high levels of light. And I've learend to situate myself in ways that deal with these issues. I haven't told my boss I'm autistic, and unless I feel it is completely relevant in some way to my work, I never will and don't expect him to ask or address such a thing. And if it becomes a work problem, I will find a way to handle it.
You or your boss interviewed this person, and determined they are qualified for the job. If you feel that is not the case, that specific concern is what you need to address more than anything else.
Edit: A minor correlary, but one that should be addressed - if this person says they have Aspergers, believe them. Don't create an even more hostile environment by trying to deny it, but still treat the problem as separate from the Aspergers. A work-related problem is a work-related problem, regardless of what disability this person may have.
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
Thanks for your answer Zibbobz. I'm trying not to assume it aspergers, but I'm grasping at straws about how to relate and interact. I'll be sure not to focus on it.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:55
Thanks for your additional Edit. I want to be clear that this person is definitely qualified for the job. His technical skills and ability and performance are great. The thing I'm most trying to help minimize is that during team meetings, he is focused entirely on pushing everyone to a particular style of development when that is not the topic on hand, and to properly move to that style of development, virtually the whole company would need to change how they operate, which is not a decision that we could make in the meeting, but would require someone with a "C" in their title to implement.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 7 '15 at 14:04
"[Coworker], I understand you feel strongly about this topic but right now we need to focus on [topic at hand]. If you'd like to discuss this further let's have a private meeting later." I've seen this approach solve a lot of similar problems in the past.
– Leslie P.
Sep 16 '15 at 15:09
This is one of the best answers I've ever seen on SE. It's good advice for the general public, too.
– Era
Mar 27 '17 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Have you tried asking? Many people (with and without autism spectrum disorders) are aware of what helps them communicate effectively and what they have trouble with.
Note that this should be a private conversation (over email, or somewhere well away from co-workers).
I agree with Zibbobz that you shouldn't bring up any diagnostic terms, either with your co-worker or with others. Even if you're trying to help, it can be threatening or distressing for the person involved, and can elicit very negative stereotypes from others.
On the other hand, I think it's fine to use autism spectrum disorder as a hypothesis to help you look for ways to communicate better.
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
1
If you ask, ask privately, since it can be very embarrassing to talk about it with co-workers listening in.
– Zibbobz
Mar 9 '15 at 3:11
Thank you, I agree completely and have added this to my answer.
– octern
Mar 9 '15 at 3:55
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
First of all, don't assume it's aspergers. Autism is a very broad-range social/mental disorder, and very difficult to diagnose even for experts. You, I assume, are not an expert on neuroscience, psychology, or sociology, so you should not assume that this person's behavior is necessarily aspergers, or even autistic.
Second, don't assume they'd want to talk about it if it is. Many people do not feel comfortable taling about a social/mental disorder, so don't treat it as something they would definitely be willing to talk about even if you can somehow confirm it is the case.
Third, unless he specifically asks for it, don't try to provide your own special accomodations. Or rather, be patient, be reasonable, explain yourself, and be courteous as you would with any other fellow employee. If you feel there is a problem with team cohesion, address that, not any perceived social/mental disorder he may have. And if it is not interfering with work in any significant way, consider whether or not this is a problem that needs addressing, or simply an idiosyncratic personality.
I have autism, and I have trouble relating to people and how they feel and express emotions. I'm 'difficult to read' and try to compensate by being a little bit outlandish in my behavior, and I'm very sensitive to high levels of noise (not 'loud', but persistent and multi-directional noise) and high levels of light. And I've learend to situate myself in ways that deal with these issues. I haven't told my boss I'm autistic, and unless I feel it is completely relevant in some way to my work, I never will and don't expect him to ask or address such a thing. And if it becomes a work problem, I will find a way to handle it.
You or your boss interviewed this person, and determined they are qualified for the job. If you feel that is not the case, that specific concern is what you need to address more than anything else.
Edit: A minor correlary, but one that should be addressed - if this person says they have Aspergers, believe them. Don't create an even more hostile environment by trying to deny it, but still treat the problem as separate from the Aspergers. A work-related problem is a work-related problem, regardless of what disability this person may have.
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
Thanks for your answer Zibbobz. I'm trying not to assume it aspergers, but I'm grasping at straws about how to relate and interact. I'll be sure not to focus on it.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:55
Thanks for your additional Edit. I want to be clear that this person is definitely qualified for the job. His technical skills and ability and performance are great. The thing I'm most trying to help minimize is that during team meetings, he is focused entirely on pushing everyone to a particular style of development when that is not the topic on hand, and to properly move to that style of development, virtually the whole company would need to change how they operate, which is not a decision that we could make in the meeting, but would require someone with a "C" in their title to implement.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 7 '15 at 14:04
"[Coworker], I understand you feel strongly about this topic but right now we need to focus on [topic at hand]. If you'd like to discuss this further let's have a private meeting later." I've seen this approach solve a lot of similar problems in the past.
– Leslie P.
Sep 16 '15 at 15:09
This is one of the best answers I've ever seen on SE. It's good advice for the general public, too.
– Era
Mar 27 '17 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
First of all, don't assume it's aspergers. Autism is a very broad-range social/mental disorder, and very difficult to diagnose even for experts. You, I assume, are not an expert on neuroscience, psychology, or sociology, so you should not assume that this person's behavior is necessarily aspergers, or even autistic.
Second, don't assume they'd want to talk about it if it is. Many people do not feel comfortable taling about a social/mental disorder, so don't treat it as something they would definitely be willing to talk about even if you can somehow confirm it is the case.
Third, unless he specifically asks for it, don't try to provide your own special accomodations. Or rather, be patient, be reasonable, explain yourself, and be courteous as you would with any other fellow employee. If you feel there is a problem with team cohesion, address that, not any perceived social/mental disorder he may have. And if it is not interfering with work in any significant way, consider whether or not this is a problem that needs addressing, or simply an idiosyncratic personality.
I have autism, and I have trouble relating to people and how they feel and express emotions. I'm 'difficult to read' and try to compensate by being a little bit outlandish in my behavior, and I'm very sensitive to high levels of noise (not 'loud', but persistent and multi-directional noise) and high levels of light. And I've learend to situate myself in ways that deal with these issues. I haven't told my boss I'm autistic, and unless I feel it is completely relevant in some way to my work, I never will and don't expect him to ask or address such a thing. And if it becomes a work problem, I will find a way to handle it.
You or your boss interviewed this person, and determined they are qualified for the job. If you feel that is not the case, that specific concern is what you need to address more than anything else.
Edit: A minor correlary, but one that should be addressed - if this person says they have Aspergers, believe them. Don't create an even more hostile environment by trying to deny it, but still treat the problem as separate from the Aspergers. A work-related problem is a work-related problem, regardless of what disability this person may have.
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
Thanks for your answer Zibbobz. I'm trying not to assume it aspergers, but I'm grasping at straws about how to relate and interact. I'll be sure not to focus on it.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:55
Thanks for your additional Edit. I want to be clear that this person is definitely qualified for the job. His technical skills and ability and performance are great. The thing I'm most trying to help minimize is that during team meetings, he is focused entirely on pushing everyone to a particular style of development when that is not the topic on hand, and to properly move to that style of development, virtually the whole company would need to change how they operate, which is not a decision that we could make in the meeting, but would require someone with a "C" in their title to implement.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 7 '15 at 14:04
"[Coworker], I understand you feel strongly about this topic but right now we need to focus on [topic at hand]. If you'd like to discuss this further let's have a private meeting later." I've seen this approach solve a lot of similar problems in the past.
– Leslie P.
Sep 16 '15 at 15:09
This is one of the best answers I've ever seen on SE. It's good advice for the general public, too.
– Era
Mar 27 '17 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
First of all, don't assume it's aspergers. Autism is a very broad-range social/mental disorder, and very difficult to diagnose even for experts. You, I assume, are not an expert on neuroscience, psychology, or sociology, so you should not assume that this person's behavior is necessarily aspergers, or even autistic.
Second, don't assume they'd want to talk about it if it is. Many people do not feel comfortable taling about a social/mental disorder, so don't treat it as something they would definitely be willing to talk about even if you can somehow confirm it is the case.
Third, unless he specifically asks for it, don't try to provide your own special accomodations. Or rather, be patient, be reasonable, explain yourself, and be courteous as you would with any other fellow employee. If you feel there is a problem with team cohesion, address that, not any perceived social/mental disorder he may have. And if it is not interfering with work in any significant way, consider whether or not this is a problem that needs addressing, or simply an idiosyncratic personality.
I have autism, and I have trouble relating to people and how they feel and express emotions. I'm 'difficult to read' and try to compensate by being a little bit outlandish in my behavior, and I'm very sensitive to high levels of noise (not 'loud', but persistent and multi-directional noise) and high levels of light. And I've learend to situate myself in ways that deal with these issues. I haven't told my boss I'm autistic, and unless I feel it is completely relevant in some way to my work, I never will and don't expect him to ask or address such a thing. And if it becomes a work problem, I will find a way to handle it.
You or your boss interviewed this person, and determined they are qualified for the job. If you feel that is not the case, that specific concern is what you need to address more than anything else.
Edit: A minor correlary, but one that should be addressed - if this person says they have Aspergers, believe them. Don't create an even more hostile environment by trying to deny it, but still treat the problem as separate from the Aspergers. A work-related problem is a work-related problem, regardless of what disability this person may have.
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
First of all, don't assume it's aspergers. Autism is a very broad-range social/mental disorder, and very difficult to diagnose even for experts. You, I assume, are not an expert on neuroscience, psychology, or sociology, so you should not assume that this person's behavior is necessarily aspergers, or even autistic.
Second, don't assume they'd want to talk about it if it is. Many people do not feel comfortable taling about a social/mental disorder, so don't treat it as something they would definitely be willing to talk about even if you can somehow confirm it is the case.
Third, unless he specifically asks for it, don't try to provide your own special accomodations. Or rather, be patient, be reasonable, explain yourself, and be courteous as you would with any other fellow employee. If you feel there is a problem with team cohesion, address that, not any perceived social/mental disorder he may have. And if it is not interfering with work in any significant way, consider whether or not this is a problem that needs addressing, or simply an idiosyncratic personality.
I have autism, and I have trouble relating to people and how they feel and express emotions. I'm 'difficult to read' and try to compensate by being a little bit outlandish in my behavior, and I'm very sensitive to high levels of noise (not 'loud', but persistent and multi-directional noise) and high levels of light. And I've learend to situate myself in ways that deal with these issues. I haven't told my boss I'm autistic, and unless I feel it is completely relevant in some way to my work, I never will and don't expect him to ask or address such a thing. And if it becomes a work problem, I will find a way to handle it.
You or your boss interviewed this person, and determined they are qualified for the job. If you feel that is not the case, that specific concern is what you need to address more than anything else.
Edit: A minor correlary, but one that should be addressed - if this person says they have Aspergers, believe them. Don't create an even more hostile environment by trying to deny it, but still treat the problem as separate from the Aspergers. A work-related problem is a work-related problem, regardless of what disability this person may have.
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
edited Mar 6 '15 at 20:24
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
answered Mar 6 '15 at 17:48
Zibbobz
6,68752453
6,68752453
Thanks for your answer Zibbobz. I'm trying not to assume it aspergers, but I'm grasping at straws about how to relate and interact. I'll be sure not to focus on it.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:55
Thanks for your additional Edit. I want to be clear that this person is definitely qualified for the job. His technical skills and ability and performance are great. The thing I'm most trying to help minimize is that during team meetings, he is focused entirely on pushing everyone to a particular style of development when that is not the topic on hand, and to properly move to that style of development, virtually the whole company would need to change how they operate, which is not a decision that we could make in the meeting, but would require someone with a "C" in their title to implement.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 7 '15 at 14:04
"[Coworker], I understand you feel strongly about this topic but right now we need to focus on [topic at hand]. If you'd like to discuss this further let's have a private meeting later." I've seen this approach solve a lot of similar problems in the past.
– Leslie P.
Sep 16 '15 at 15:09
This is one of the best answers I've ever seen on SE. It's good advice for the general public, too.
– Era
Mar 27 '17 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
Thanks for your answer Zibbobz. I'm trying not to assume it aspergers, but I'm grasping at straws about how to relate and interact. I'll be sure not to focus on it.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:55
Thanks for your additional Edit. I want to be clear that this person is definitely qualified for the job. His technical skills and ability and performance are great. The thing I'm most trying to help minimize is that during team meetings, he is focused entirely on pushing everyone to a particular style of development when that is not the topic on hand, and to properly move to that style of development, virtually the whole company would need to change how they operate, which is not a decision that we could make in the meeting, but would require someone with a "C" in their title to implement.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 7 '15 at 14:04
"[Coworker], I understand you feel strongly about this topic but right now we need to focus on [topic at hand]. If you'd like to discuss this further let's have a private meeting later." I've seen this approach solve a lot of similar problems in the past.
– Leslie P.
Sep 16 '15 at 15:09
This is one of the best answers I've ever seen on SE. It's good advice for the general public, too.
– Era
Mar 27 '17 at 15:19
Thanks for your answer Zibbobz. I'm trying not to assume it aspergers, but I'm grasping at straws about how to relate and interact. I'll be sure not to focus on it.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:55
Thanks for your answer Zibbobz. I'm trying not to assume it aspergers, but I'm grasping at straws about how to relate and interact. I'll be sure not to focus on it.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:55
Thanks for your additional Edit. I want to be clear that this person is definitely qualified for the job. His technical skills and ability and performance are great. The thing I'm most trying to help minimize is that during team meetings, he is focused entirely on pushing everyone to a particular style of development when that is not the topic on hand, and to properly move to that style of development, virtually the whole company would need to change how they operate, which is not a decision that we could make in the meeting, but would require someone with a "C" in their title to implement.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 7 '15 at 14:04
Thanks for your additional Edit. I want to be clear that this person is definitely qualified for the job. His technical skills and ability and performance are great. The thing I'm most trying to help minimize is that during team meetings, he is focused entirely on pushing everyone to a particular style of development when that is not the topic on hand, and to properly move to that style of development, virtually the whole company would need to change how they operate, which is not a decision that we could make in the meeting, but would require someone with a "C" in their title to implement.
– Reborn Collision
Mar 7 '15 at 14:04
"[Coworker], I understand you feel strongly about this topic but right now we need to focus on [topic at hand]. If you'd like to discuss this further let's have a private meeting later." I've seen this approach solve a lot of similar problems in the past.
– Leslie P.
Sep 16 '15 at 15:09
"[Coworker], I understand you feel strongly about this topic but right now we need to focus on [topic at hand]. If you'd like to discuss this further let's have a private meeting later." I've seen this approach solve a lot of similar problems in the past.
– Leslie P.
Sep 16 '15 at 15:09
This is one of the best answers I've ever seen on SE. It's good advice for the general public, too.
– Era
Mar 27 '17 at 15:19
This is one of the best answers I've ever seen on SE. It's good advice for the general public, too.
– Era
Mar 27 '17 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Have you tried asking? Many people (with and without autism spectrum disorders) are aware of what helps them communicate effectively and what they have trouble with.
Note that this should be a private conversation (over email, or somewhere well away from co-workers).
I agree with Zibbobz that you shouldn't bring up any diagnostic terms, either with your co-worker or with others. Even if you're trying to help, it can be threatening or distressing for the person involved, and can elicit very negative stereotypes from others.
On the other hand, I think it's fine to use autism spectrum disorder as a hypothesis to help you look for ways to communicate better.
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
1
If you ask, ask privately, since it can be very embarrassing to talk about it with co-workers listening in.
– Zibbobz
Mar 9 '15 at 3:11
Thank you, I agree completely and have added this to my answer.
– octern
Mar 9 '15 at 3:55
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Have you tried asking? Many people (with and without autism spectrum disorders) are aware of what helps them communicate effectively and what they have trouble with.
Note that this should be a private conversation (over email, or somewhere well away from co-workers).
I agree with Zibbobz that you shouldn't bring up any diagnostic terms, either with your co-worker or with others. Even if you're trying to help, it can be threatening or distressing for the person involved, and can elicit very negative stereotypes from others.
On the other hand, I think it's fine to use autism spectrum disorder as a hypothesis to help you look for ways to communicate better.
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
1
If you ask, ask privately, since it can be very embarrassing to talk about it with co-workers listening in.
– Zibbobz
Mar 9 '15 at 3:11
Thank you, I agree completely and have added this to my answer.
– octern
Mar 9 '15 at 3:55
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Have you tried asking? Many people (with and without autism spectrum disorders) are aware of what helps them communicate effectively and what they have trouble with.
Note that this should be a private conversation (over email, or somewhere well away from co-workers).
I agree with Zibbobz that you shouldn't bring up any diagnostic terms, either with your co-worker or with others. Even if you're trying to help, it can be threatening or distressing for the person involved, and can elicit very negative stereotypes from others.
On the other hand, I think it's fine to use autism spectrum disorder as a hypothesis to help you look for ways to communicate better.
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
Have you tried asking? Many people (with and without autism spectrum disorders) are aware of what helps them communicate effectively and what they have trouble with.
Note that this should be a private conversation (over email, or somewhere well away from co-workers).
I agree with Zibbobz that you shouldn't bring up any diagnostic terms, either with your co-worker or with others. Even if you're trying to help, it can be threatening or distressing for the person involved, and can elicit very negative stereotypes from others.
On the other hand, I think it's fine to use autism spectrum disorder as a hypothesis to help you look for ways to communicate better.
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
edited Mar 9 '15 at 3:59
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
answered Mar 8 '15 at 21:37
octern
20917
20917
1
If you ask, ask privately, since it can be very embarrassing to talk about it with co-workers listening in.
– Zibbobz
Mar 9 '15 at 3:11
Thank you, I agree completely and have added this to my answer.
– octern
Mar 9 '15 at 3:55
suggest improvements |Â
1
If you ask, ask privately, since it can be very embarrassing to talk about it with co-workers listening in.
– Zibbobz
Mar 9 '15 at 3:11
Thank you, I agree completely and have added this to my answer.
– octern
Mar 9 '15 at 3:55
1
1
If you ask, ask privately, since it can be very embarrassing to talk about it with co-workers listening in.
– Zibbobz
Mar 9 '15 at 3:11
If you ask, ask privately, since it can be very embarrassing to talk about it with co-workers listening in.
– Zibbobz
Mar 9 '15 at 3:11
Thank you, I agree completely and have added this to my answer.
– octern
Mar 9 '15 at 3:55
Thank you, I agree completely and have added this to my answer.
– octern
Mar 9 '15 at 3:55
suggest improvements |Â
2
This type of question might be better suited for cogsci.stackexchange.com
– Zibbobz
Mar 6 '15 at 17:16
6
Asperger's is best diagnosed by a mental health professional. Coworkers should expect to be able to communicate with each other without making accommodations for a perceived disorder which they are not equipped to diagnose anyway. I would not assume the person has a mental health issue. Have you guys just talked with him and told him that his demeanor is a problem? Maybe he doesn't know?
– teego1967
Mar 6 '15 at 17:41
@gnat I've dealt with some talented but difficult employees before. This is definitely different. Thanks for the suggestion though...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 17:47
1
@gnat no, thanks for pointing that out. It was most helpful...
– Reborn Collision
Mar 6 '15 at 18:00
1
I have Aspergers' syndrome. The description you give above isn't aspergers, it's obnoxious b***d syndrome. That can be correlated to Aspergers, but not necessarily; in particular aspies (at least those I know) tend not to play a social competition game about how good they are, just focusing on doing the job. That said, this could be someone who has Aspergers' traits but doesn't know what it is, and that is a very uncomfortable place to be in. Handle with care...
– boisvert
Sep 6 '15 at 19:26