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A question about special interests

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Angnix
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14 Apr 2011, 8:20 pm

I know I will probably not be looked at seriously by docs for AS because I have a schizophrenia related illness, but is having special interests a really big red flag they shouldn't ignore? I know gifted people can get caught up in a subject, and people with ADHD can hyperfocus, but how diagnostic is special interests to AS?

Docs when I describe it to them agree I have special interests, but one at least has said I just have a personality quirk.

My interests, I often can't let them go. Like I love birds, and I love reading about AS for some reason.

Though that comes back to the point I'm already getting SSI, already getting therapy for my problems, etc... and a diagnosis wouldn't do much good, but I can't help reading about it and coming to this site.


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Verdandi
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14 Apr 2011, 9:07 pm

Special interests are in the diagnostic criteria:

Quote:
(II) Restricted repetitive & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

(A) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
(B) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
(C) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g. hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
(D) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects



CockneyRebel
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14 Apr 2011, 9:38 pm

I see my special interests as more of a quirk than a problem.


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ksuther09
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14 Apr 2011, 9:47 pm

I think it would be good to get a diagnosis of AS anyway - even with all the other stuff because you'll have an answer as to why all the stuff like having special interests and social quirks etc. fits into your life. For the longest time, my mother just chalked up my issues as me having problems resulting from early institution in an orphanage overseas, but yet other adoptees didn't have quite the developmental profile I did.

As far as special interests, I think once you know where they come from, you may feel less shame. I don't know if you feel shame now. I did because they were looked down upon in childhood. Also, you can leverage them into hobbies and careers. For example, I was interested in attachment / adoption and that led to me studying Human Development and Family Studies. I used what I remembered for a brief special-interest in Australia to talk to my friend who wanted to go to Australia as a missionary. Once you know where it comes from, I'm guessing you could use it for your future and feel good about it.



buryuntime
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14 Apr 2011, 10:04 pm

Somewhat. Intense interests seem to also be a characteristic of just plain old eccentricity though.