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Originally Posted by The_little_didgee
Obsessive interests are only one of the few ASD/Asperger traits that interfere with life. What other traits do you have?
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Some trouble with socializing/social cues. Most obviously not knowing what to say to people. I've typically had very few friends whilst growing up, just a few very good ones. The way I describe it, is I have had to teach myself how to socialize. Although I have GAD too, so we weren't sure whether that stuff contributed to developing the anxiety... or whether it is caused by the anxiety.
I notice small details that others don't.
I tend to fall into routines & don't like it when the day I planned gets disrupted. However, my CPN was unsure I had routines that were rigid enough.
Lots of little things, but as I said... not enough to warrant a diagnosis. There are certainly parts of the spectrum I don't seem to adhere to, although I guess there is variation since it is a spectrum after all.
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My interests tend to last years. My obsessions are my misdiagnosis, clock movements, and mushrooms (mycology). I have interests in aviation, astronomy, Star Trek and neuroscience which are not intense.
I struggle with this, because I get very absorbed in my obsessions. They hinder my ability to see other options and even look after myself. How do I control them? By enjoying them on my own, especially during free time, and with others who have the same interests. I've learned not to discuss them with outsiders, since I tend to bore people, and in places were it just isn't appropriate. E.g., Discussing my misdiagnosis with a stranger on public transit rather than on PC or with my psychiatrist. Another thing I do is make sure I look after my daily needs.
Obsessive interests are a part of me. I don't bother to suppress them because they are pleasant and relieve stress. They help me I cope with life.
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Thanks, interesting to hear how they work for you.
I hadn't really looked it up before, but apparently
"special interests" can change or cycle, as well as being to varying degrees.
For years I was obsessed with playing video games. I.e. like all day long but lost interest at some point. I spent a month and a half playing games fairly excessively around Christmas only to lose interest again as it happens.
I can relate to talking to people about interests & them getting bored. I can recognise that though, so tend to try & find some common ground. I find most things interesting to one degree or another, so it's not necessarily that hard.
I think that's how I get around not knowing what to say to people. I just start with ordinary things, or something related to where we are or are doing & if they bite, I'll go with that. Some people might see that as boring but if we truly cross interests, then I can have a good conversation with someone.
Having said all that & however much I'd like a definite answer as to why I am the way I am, I'd prefer just to figure out how to manage this.