I'm an Aspie, processing verbal information takes too much attention - if I wait until the other person is finished I will usually forget what I was going to say. And if interrupted I will usually be unable to continue. Normally, I just keep my mouth shut and don't say anything.
Is that common? I'd hate to think I was keeping him (and others silent). Is there anything I can do to help improve his interaction with me?
It doesnt worry me too much (except making conversations long and sometimes tiring) but I have noticed visitors to the office getting "mad" about it. I hate mentioning it because that just rude... but sometimes you just have to to avoid them snapping and embarrassing him.
He's quite embarrassed about it generally (even though there is no need to be with us - Im as crazy as they come) so I can't figure a good way to broach the subject with him. Even though I think it would be beneficial to discuss it and explain it's not a worry for us! Any tips/thoughts?
(as it happens he's well qualified for the job and does well at it - a bit more forgetful than most, but no biggie. He came to use after 15 rejections since leaving uni a year before and could barely speak in the interview. In the end my boss said, basically, "how can we turn him away". It was pretty disgusting how he was treated elsewhere)
The specific problems Aspies have vary a lot. Most have some problems with speaking and especially speaking up. But from what I have read my specific problems seem to be even more focused in those areas than most Aspies. Any pressure, such as interviews, makes it worse, I have fewer difficulties now than I used to, but I am 48 years old and have learned a lot of stress control techniques. I still "meltdown" under much pressure (for example an unexpected interview).
