Aspie Obsessions

Post Reply New Topic

Is that what Gillberg meant when he described special interests as being "more rote than meaning"?

Sometimes, "special interests" do have quite a bit of "rote" in them. And, in people with with ASD's, they might have the character of something they cannot control. What matters is the content of what you research, not what they "really mean."

In some cases, I would agree with Gillberg; in other cases, I wouldn't.

"Rote" was what I enjoyed when I was growing up. I didn't enjoy "critical thinking" at all (we didn't actually have the term "critical thinking" in the 1960s). I enjoyed knowing the dates of things; the enjoyment of the historical implications of those dates didn't come to me until I was into my teen years.

I should rephrase the "bookish-practical" distinction. I like bookish things. Sometimes, they can actually be practical. What I mean by "practical" was more along the lines of "mechanical" than anything else.

So somebody with an interest that is considered more rote than meaning enjoys memorizing facts, but not necessarily expanding their knowledge? Like an autistic person who has an interest in vacuum cleaner models but doesn't care about vacuum cleaning?

Rote is nice; I just enjoyed reading words when I was little- not knowing that they meant something .

Yep....that is the essence of it.

Sometimes, I still like pure "rote."

I sometimes look up random people's birth dates just to know them lol .

Yeah....me too!

I look up peoples' heights for the same reason. I don't get much "substance"--but I get information.

Exactly- whenever I'm feeling "information depleted", I just crave numbers and facts of any kind- I never really use it, though .

That's much better than punching somebody LOL

I find that to be harmless.

Am interested in many things. History, science, anthropology. Also have broad taste in music. Just uploaded and downloaded some Tito Puente, Albert King, Greg Allman, and Daddy Yankee, this week.

It's great! Some of my "ASD traits" I find to be very useful .

I do, too.

I think other people find it to be useful to a certain extent---but not as much as us Aspies LOL.

The key, really, is to be true to yourself, while making sure you listen to other people, too. Don't think you're superior to anybody--because somebody will always be superior to you in something. If people believe they are listened to, they tend to like you better.

Maybe don't carry the doll with you to school LOL. Maybe only "hang out" with him when you're alone.

Think of it as "your precious secret," that you only tell you closest friends about.

Last edited by kraftiekortie on 20 Jul 2017, 2:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Seriously doubt that quote has anything to do with aspie special interests.

The phrase "learning by rote" means to memorize something boring for a class that's a long list so you can recite it like a robot. Like the Kreb Cycle. Or like memorizing the multiplication tables in grade school (which becomes second nature once its drummed into you-and useful). Its boring because it has no obvious "meaning" for the pupil learning it. An aspie interest is its own meaning. A passion that takes over. But it usually has no practical use for the person. Though some folks might luck out and get their obsession with something that does turn from an avocation into a vocation.

"Rote learning" is merely gathering snippets of information via, say, a lecture by a teacher, without gleaning the significance of that information, and without the teacher conveying that significance.

I really try my hardest to make sure I don't ever think I am the best at anything- I hate coming across as vain and narcissistic. I don't believe I am the best at anything (especially not sports ). I had an arrogant coping mechanism for a while and when I look back on it today I hate myself for even having those thoughts. Luckily, I learned from my mistake and now I try my best to not think I am superior: because I'm not.

I can't imagine not taking my Squid to school with me though. It's like I need it- I'm not so scared when I have something comforting there .

This post took a very interesting turn (special interests---->believing in yourself without being vain) . Good advice; I'll use it.

I get you, Stampy.

It's like Linus and his blanket. Linus is something of a genius, and perhaps something of an Aspie, too. Have you read much of Peanuts?

He is a younger boy than Charlie Brown---but he attained the respect of his peers even while carrying the blanket--because he was so smart and insightful

I have read some of the old Peanuts comics. They are really great. I also have all the holiday Peanuts movies on VHS tape lol.

It's good to know I can be accepted even if I carry a weird toy around .