I think its common for people on the spectrum to tend to relate to themselves in terms of their interests. We get our identities from the things we like, or even just the things we are accustomed to. I once cared for an autistic girl who had a tantrum when the doctor changed her medication from one large pill to two smaller ones equalling the same dosage. That large pill was part of who she was, how she identified with herself, and by changing that it was like she was having her identity taken away and replaced with another.
If you personify your likes and interests like that, I could see it making you feel criticized or attacked when someone speaks negatively about them. I'm not sure if I do that or not; have never thought about it.
What do you think; is that a possibility?
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We are not so different from potted plants in that, if given everything we need to be properly nourished, the outcome can be incredibly contrary to when we are not. A flower won't grow in flour, and neither can we.