Different interpretation of category 3

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When I look at the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's, I look at social and communication and see myself very clearly, but minimally in behavior when rigid behavior and interests are described. Yes, I have a tendency to stay the same and I cannot transition to another activity easily and I have small fidgets but still that's one area that I don't seem to be hugely affected. Then I read an article that described compulsion as well as repetitive behaviors as being part of the 3rd part of the diagnostic criteria. I am way compulsive. Do you see this as being a valid interpretation? I can see how someone would be compulsive about rituals and routines but mine is not centered on that. It's more self comfort behaviors. I had never seen the word compulsion used before. What do you think?

I do not know. It is hard for me to comment when I do not have the article. Maybe that would not help me here anyhow, I do not know. I am not sure how to respond... I think that compulsions, whatever they might be, are for the purpose of self comfort. Like some people who arrange things compulsively... some of them might do that to exert control in an environment where they might feel as though they have none... that then gives comfort. In that way, I kind of see repetitive behaviors as the same... some need to provide self comfort. I have always had a hard time picking compulsions apart from repetitive behaviors because they are all the same to me. I know I am likely very wrong, but it is how my mind works. So yeah, I do think that is a valid interpretation. I hope that made some kind of sense, or at least answered some part of what you are asking. My kids are home from school today (snow day) and the noise level in my house is making it hard for me to focus at the moment...

I think I can see that repetitive behaviors come from compulsion but I guess in my mind's eye I was thinking of repetitive behaviors as being something happening many times in a short amount of time rather than a daily routine. Anyway,thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it.

I interpreted it as being compulsive about anything, whether it be routines, rituals or, as you put it, self comfort behaviours. I would say I was compulsive. No matter what I do, I have to do it right. I can be a bit of a perfectionist in that respect and I don't really take it very well on the inside when people then criticise what I have done. On the outside, I appear to take it well as I don't like to show others how I really feel. But that's just me.

I am a perfectionist about some things but generally my standard is set so high I don't bother trying. It's my favorite way to drive myself crazy. The way I'm compulsive is in the morning I have a line up of bookmarked sites I go to every morning in the same order. Even if some of the sites are starting to interest me less my finger automatically clicks it open. I am a compulsive eater some times too. It's definitely a way of seeking comfort. Or I'll play game after game of solitaire or free cell even though I need to get off the computer and get things done. My finger just goes there. So anyway, are you saying you do think being compulsive would fit into the 3rd category? Is it just a matter of semantics? I know there's a difference between impulsive and compulsive.

I interpret it as such that I think being compulsive would fit into the 3rd category, yes.