CRM versus aspergers syndrome/autism

[SkidSolo]

This may come under medical but thought I'd try CRM first.

I have been recently flying with a captain who I think has aspergers. Very difficult to read body language and struggles with eye contact, no empathy or expression, almost child like in appearance and demeanour and does no basic CRM like callouts or keep crews gound and air informed.

In all my years of flying with many cultural and backgrounds in military and commercial I've managed to adjust but this one is wearing me down. How would one work this character?

[Dash8driver1312]

Have an off-the-record chat with my own team leader to see if this guy has a history or not, although if I feel that a pilot's attitude/behaviour is consistently unsafe with line operations, inform him of how I feel and ultimately take it to the safety department/fleet chief.

[Piltdown Man]

If this guy is as you say, he shouldn't be flying. The problem is the solution. Your company may also resent you drawing this guy to their attention, so I'd suggest either a CHIRP report or a quiet word with the CAA and get them involved. BALPA will also be able to help.

[Capetonian]

I was once forced to share an office with someone who had Aspergers (diagnosed, official) and even though he and I had nothing to do with each from a working perspective, it was a difficult and conflictive situation and I can only imagine that in the cockpit this would be highly dangerous.

Friends of mine have a son with Aspergers, so it is something I know a little about. 'Sufferers' for want of a better word, are generally highly intelligent and diligent, but have no people skills whatsoever and often have a very blinkered approach to things and a refusal to see another point of view. Very dangerous.

[john_tullamarine]

Certainly relevant to CRM matters.

However - absolutely nothing to be posted which would identify either the operator or individuals, please.

Further to the above, I have taken advice and elected to close the thread.