Why Neurodivergence Isnt an Excuse for Job Performance Issues

AITA for questioning whether neurodivergence excuses not following work procedures? Colleague insists on own way despite repeated corrections.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
26 Dec 2025

Why Neurodivergence Isnt an Excuse for Job Performance Issues

In today's workplace, the intersection of neurodiversity and job performance has become a hot topic, especially in environments like retail, where following established procedures is crucial. One Reddit user recently found themselves in a tricky situation with a coworker who, citing their neurodivergence, consistently performs tasks in ways that deviate from the company’s guidelines.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

Despite repeated corrections from management, this coworker insists on doing things their way, claiming it is not only more comfortable for them but also an unfair expectation to expect them to conform. This dilemma raises essential questions about accountability, workplace accommodations, and the balance between individual needs and organizational standards.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

While many commenters express sympathy for the coworker’s struggles, they also emphasize the importance of adhering to established protocols. As the original poster grapples with this conflict, they wonder if they are in the wrong for suggesting that their coworker should follow instructions.

As Redditors weigh in, the conversation dives into the nuances of neurodivergence. Do such differences provide grounds for exempting someone from standard workplace expectations? Join us as we explore the complexities of this situation and share your thoughts on where the line should be drawn between understanding and responsibility in the workplace.

Original Post

I work a pretty basic retail job and were taught a certain way to do things. While it isn’t the way I would do them it’s the way they want them done so I do it.

I have a coworker that’s constantly doing things his way. No matter how many times he gets corrected he continues to say that way doesn’t work for him and will do it his way.

That also means the job doesn’t get done well or to the full extent. He keeps telling me it’s so rude that he gets corrected all the time because he’s neurodivergent and is going to do things the way that works for him.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

I do get it to an extent but at the same time it’s a job and you’re getting paid to do it a certain way. He was complaining the other day about how he once again got reprimanded and was telling me how it’s so rude and I told him that I get it but at the same time we’re all neurodivergent and sadly if they want it done one way you do it that way or keep getting corrected.

He said his way works for him and it’s ableist to make him do it a different way. I told him it was up to him and while there may be multiple right ways to do something unless you can prove it’s equally efficient I can understand standardizing everything.

He obviously didn’t like that and told me he should be allowed to do things his own way. AITA for saying he should just do as he’s told?

[ADVERTISEMENT]