When Is Neurodiversity an Excuse for Rudeness?

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Letters may be edited.Socially Awkward, or Obstinate?I work for a large state organization in the role of interviewing employees about their commitment to the mission.I have been in this role for five years, though I have conducted sensitive interviews for years and love the work.

The problem is the videographer I am forced to work with, who pretty much lacks emotional intelligence.This is a “diversity” issue because he is “on the spectrum.”I get good interviews because I can put people at ease quickly.

He does the opposite and I constantly have to do damage control.He tells inappropriate stories.

He is brusque and rude to me and to the interview subject.One person I interviewed a few years ago said she still remembered how uncomfortable he made her feel.

He was so rude on assignment at a remote site that the department told him to leave and never come back.Then there is the quality of his work.I have worked with great videographers that are a terrific third person in the room and can handle all kinds of audio/visual challenges.

But he makes requests such as “don’t move your head when you talk” or “keep your tone of voice even,” to make his editing work easier or because he doesn’t know how to handle a situation.(I took over editing for a while because of this.) He will even obstruct a project if he suspects it’s beyond his abilities.

A videographer at the executive level recently told me they’ve had to pick up departmental projects when he proved himself not competent to complete them.I have brought these issues to the attention of his manager as well as the departmental manager, but they just say, “he’s trying” or “he’s taking emotional intelligence classes.” He has announced at our team meetings in front of management that attention to interpersonal skills is a ...