Workplace troubles- could really use some advice

Paranoia? Many of the signs of Aspergers?

People on the spectrum do get pushed into call centre jobs, but it is not an easy environment for people on the spectrum. Many find phones difficult, and the intense complex noise and crowded nature of call centres make them uncomfortable, even distressed. It is not a natural habitat for someone with Aspergers. But out of necessity to find work, some do.

I'm not sure your evidence is helpful. Has he disclosed to you he has aspergers or have you deduced this and confronted him with the possibility?

Someone with Aspergers would find teamwork difficult. The reason is that their social referencing is poor. They cannot manage eye contact, facial expressions and body language well and they cannot read these signs well. They rely on the spoken word, and they have to guess their way through situations. That means lots of misunderstandings, both ways, not fitting in, not finding it easy to resolve differences because there is no mechanism for feedback. They cannot learn teamwork from mere social interaction.

They can of course ask for clarification if in doubt, but that leads to more problems. Why does this person not listen, and keeps having to ask questions he should have picked up for himself? That's how other team members may perceive him.

If someone is different - a misfit - many will decide they don't want him in the team and try for constructive dismissal. They will make things harder. Far from paranoia he may have genuine grievances, but it doesn't help matters that he will not be able to "read the signs".

However having explained the above you may be able to see some solutions. You can discretely ensure he has supplementary information, eg things written down to help him fill in what he cannot readily acquire. If there is someone he works well with who can be party to the Aspergers in confidence, that person could be a buddy and get him up to speed now and then without having to make it obvious.

There is a book "Managing with Asperger Syndrome" by Malcolm Johnson (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2005 ISBN 1-84310-199-8). Its a bit of a drag to read as it is too job specific and I don't think the author's aspergers comes over that bad - better aware of the problems the book could say a lot more. But is is very good on issues like teamwork, delegation, and management hierarchies in a sales context. Just you'll need lots pf patience to read through it.

Less directly helpful to you environment there is "Asperger Syndrome and Employment" in the Sheffield Hallam Adults Speak out about Asperger Syndrome Series edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2008 ISBN 978 1 84310 648 7) - the code helps librarians and booksellers find it. This is a mix of personal stories. Much lighter reading and a quicker way of getting general background than Johnson's book.

Paranoia? Many of the signs of Aspergers?

People on the spectrum do get pushed into call centre jobs, but it is not an easy environment for people on the spectrum. Many find phones difficult, and the intense complex noise and crowded nature of call centres make them uncomfortable, even distressed. It is not a natural habitat for someone with Aspergers. But out of necessity to find work, some do.

I'm not sure your evidence is helpful. Has he disclosed to you he has aspergers or have you deduced this and confronted him with the possibility?

Someone with Aspergers would find teamwork difficult. The reason is that their social referencing is poor. They cannot manage eye contact, facial expressions and body language well and they cannot read these signs well. They rely on the spoken word, and they have to guess their way through situations. That means lots of misunderstandings, both ways, not fitting in, not finding it easy to resolve differences because there is no mechanism for feedback. They cannot learn teamwork from mere social interaction.

They can of course ask for clarification if in doubt, but that leads to more problems. Why does this person not listen, and keeps having to ask questions he should have picked up for himself? That's how other team members may perceive him.

If someone is different - a misfit - many will decide they don't want him in the team and try for constructive dismissal. They will make things harder. Far from paranoia he may have genuine grievances, but it doesn't help matters that he will not be able to "read the signs".

However having explained the above you may be able to see some solutions. You can discretely ensure he has supplementary information, eg things written down to help him fill in what he cannot readily acquire. If there is someone he works well with who can be party to the Aspergers in confidence, that person could be a buddy and get him up to speed now and then without having to make it obvious.

There is a book "Managing with Asperger Syndrome" by Malcolm Johnson (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2005 ISBN 1-84310-199-8). Its a bit of a drag to read as it is too job specific and I don't think the author's aspergers comes over that bad - better aware of the problems the book could say a lot more. But is is very good on issues like teamwork, delegation, and management hierarchies in a sales context. Just you'll need lots pf patience to read through it.

Less directly helpful to you environment there is "Asperger Syndrome and Employment" in the Sheffield Hallam Adults Speak out about Asperger Syndrome Series edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2008 ISBN 978 1 84310 648 7) - the code helps librarians and booksellers find it. This is a mix of personal stories. Much lighter reading and a quicker way of getting general background than Johnson's book.