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Original poster

I think a work colleague has autism

82 replies

LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:01

Hi,

I work in mental health and one of my colleagues is showing very clear signs of Aspergers Syndrome and it is having a seriously negative impact on their work.

This colleague has already been given spoken to by senior management regarding issues raised by staff (attitude and patient care)

Aspergers runs in the individuals family and when I say this person ticks every symptom box, I mean every box.

I have a good professional relationship with them and would hate to see them lose their job, which is the direction they are heading. I have been considering having a very informal chat over it and suggesting it's something they look into however I don't know if it's my place?

OP posts:
TabithaTittlemouse · 03/10/2022 23:02

Are you their line manager?

PinkFrogss · 03/10/2022 23:02

Stay out of it OP, for all you know he may already have a diagnosis or been for an assessment.

Either way, none of your business and would probably greatly upset him.

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:04

Thanks for the feedback. The last thing I want to do is cause upset.

It's a difficult one because every shift this individual is on, there is always something whether it be an allegation of verbal abuse to a patient, slacking, general attitude and it is bringing the moral of the whole department down.

I'm not his line manager. We are both the same grade.

OP posts:
Greenhillsfaraway · 03/10/2022 23:04

Dr Google again ?

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:05

Greenhillsfaraway · 03/10/2022 23:04

Dr Google again ?

Hi, I work in a unit for mental health inpatients. I have professional knowledge on Aspergers Syndrome.

OP posts:
Carrieonmywaywardsun · 03/10/2022 23:06

Why Aspergers, when that is no longer a formal diagnosis?

milkysmum · 03/10/2022 23:08

No I don't think you should say anything. Also Asperger's is no longer a term used with regards to someone's diagnosis, what would have been known at Asperger's now sits under the umbrella of Autistic Spectrum Disorders ( ASD ).

AnotherEmma · 03/10/2022 23:08

I find it hard to believe you're a mental health professional if you're calling it "Asperger syndrome", that's out of date.

You could mention it to your colleague's line manager but anything more than that would not be appropriate.

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:10

Hi ladies, the reason I use this term is because in my unit this is still the term used for people who were diagnosed while this term was still widely used. I appreciate many diagnosis can fall under the autism umbrella.

OP posts:
Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 03/10/2022 23:11

Do you agree with what is being said about them? Or do you see it from another pov, and that how being autistic is likely the root issue?
I;m not sure what the answer is, as if they are not suited for the role, then unless the organisation is big enough to find something else its tricky.
If you do want to do something, I would talk to your colleague, preferably in a non work environment, and ask about how its going at work. You could segue into neurodiversity if they open up to you. Not sure what you can do with your managers though, and certainly not without your colleagues knowledge.

Greenhillsfaraway · 03/10/2022 23:12

Are you a Dr ? Physiologist etc ? You’re labelling someone just because he ticks the boxes !

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:14

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 03/10/2022 23:11

Do you agree with what is being said about them? Or do you see it from another pov, and that how being autistic is likely the root issue?
I;m not sure what the answer is, as if they are not suited for the role, then unless the organisation is big enough to find something else its tricky.
If you do want to do something, I would talk to your colleague, preferably in a non work environment, and ask about how its going at work. You could segue into neurodiversity if they open up to you. Not sure what you can do with your managers though, and certainly not without your colleagues knowledge.

I do agree with what's being brought to light. I feel that my colleague is struggling. One of the biggest problems I have personally when working with them is that they appear physically unable to show empathy or compassion when dealing with challenging and upsetting situations at work.

As an example, around a week ago we were faced with the situation of a new admission whom we had been told wo

OP posts:
Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:16

LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:14

I do agree with what's being brought to light. I feel that my colleague is struggling. One of the biggest problems I have personally when working with them is that they appear physically unable to show empathy or compassion when dealing with challenging and upsetting situations at work.

As an example, around a week ago we were faced with the situation of a new admission whom we had been told wo

Show quote history

Sorry I hit post to soon.

We had been told this patient had insomnia and liked to sing during the night. Working in a mental health unit it is NEVER quiet overnight so this wasn't a problem however my colleague had steam coming out his ears all night and the attitude towards the patient was disgraceful. He couldn't understand that this was a person who had a mental health condition and was admitted for treatment not judgement.

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 03/10/2022 23:17

If that's true then it doesn't matter one bit whether your colleague has autism, does it? His attitude and behaviour are inappropriate.

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:17

Greenhillsfaraway · 03/10/2022 23:12

Are you a Dr ? Physiologist etc ? You’re labelling someone just because he ticks the boxes !

I appreciate your comment however I am not labelling him, I simply have my concerns that there is more to their behaviour than just a bad attitude.

OP posts:
Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 03/10/2022 23:19

Could be a sensory issues, the singing literally like nails on a chalk board to him. But it does not sound like this environment is right for him. That happens to all of us and leaving is the right thing to do.

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:22

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 03/10/2022 23:19

Could be a sensory issues, the singing literally like nails on a chalk board to him. But it does not sound like this environment is right for him. That happens to all of us and leaving is the right thing to do.

Absolutely!!

Patients can also lash out and grab, and this guy literally flips his lid when any of our patients touch him.
My concern is made up of 2 parts.

  1. He loses his job and walks into another healthcare position because its all he's known, and the cycle continues.

And

  1. He really loses it one day and a vulnerable patient is on the receiving end.

The NHS is on its knees as is without staff members who are ticking timebombs.

OP posts:
ShadowoftheFall · 03/10/2022 23:23

This is a behaviour management issue. Whether or not they have autism spectrum disorder is none of your concern.

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:26

I do appreciate people saying the autism side of things is none of my business, but I'm also a genuinely concerned colleague who feels that perhaps if they sought and help and treatment, they could cope better?

It's a really difficult situation

OP posts:
Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 03/10/2022 23:30

I think that's extreme, although autism is neurodiversity, it is also a disability in that it can make living in a neurotypical world very challenging. Especially sensory issues and being misunderstood. He just needs to find a place that's right for him. Its not true that autistic people don't feel empathy, they just may not express it, or in the same way. Hopefully he has someone he can talk to.

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:34

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 03/10/2022 23:30

I think that's extreme, although autism is neurodiversity, it is also a disability in that it can make living in a neurotypical world very challenging. Especially sensory issues and being misunderstood. He just needs to find a place that's right for him. Its not true that autistic people don't feel empathy, they just may not express it, or in the same way. Hopefully he has someone he can talk to.

I totally agree with you. I don't think he has any or many friends outwith the workplace and that's why I wanted to have a chat with him. I wouldn't obviously open the chat with anything I thought could upset him but also don't want to overstep the mark.

OP posts:
TimeforZeroes · 03/10/2022 23:36

You would have to make a huge amount of concessions for this person do thrive in their current environment. Maybe this isn’t the right job for them. Even with awareness of triggers etc, the patients’ needs trump those of the practitioner regardless of diagnosis.

dane8 · 03/10/2022 23:37

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
LavendersBlue32 · 03/10/2022 23:42

2 excellent comments. Both very much spot on and appreciated.

OP posts:
AlternativelyWired · 03/10/2022 23:48

What treatment do you suggest for autism? Re-wiring his brain perhaps? If his work behaviour is an issue then you should raise it with his manager rather than perform an armchair diagnosis for something that is none of your business. Maybe you tick all the boxes of being judgmental, prejudiced and not respecting boundaries. I'd hate to work with someone like you. You don't even use the correct terminology considering where you say you work.