Limiting "Special Interests" in Children with Aspergers and HFA

Should parents limit their child's time spent on just one or two "special interests" or passions?



The Aspergers Comprehensive Handbook

Comments

Nonie said…
Hello,
parent of very high functioning Aspie teen, almost adult now. I wanted to share my experience. My son's limiting interests were very morbid when young, and thus kept social activity to a minimal even if one could overlook his 'weird' behavior, as kids didn't like the interest he had. I was exuberant when this fixation was replaced with video games and movies. Now that he is older and feels safer, with more coping skills, he feels safe to go out to do some outside physical fitness activities and school. I wanted to say that he fixates on those things now, too. And while the interests are more vaired, the fixation is as rigid as before. What I noticed was that initiating conflict around new interests was very hard to do, especially when he was young because he did not feel safe in the world. I did push him in that I did not allow spooky stuff talk or fantasy at a certain point and kept the rule for years with everyone who interacted with him. When he felt more safe in the world he then became more open to 'normal' peer fixations and thus progressed. But I think it's important to pick you battles wisely and if there is another battle that is more essential, removing or limiting a fixation may upset other gains you can make. Just my opinion based on my experiences. Again, a wonderfully insightful talk. Thank you!
March 30, 2012 at 2:53 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Married To An Aspie: 25 Tips For Spouses

Image
If you are about to embark on a marriage to someone who has Aspergers (high functioning autism), there are a few things that you may need to know (some good, and some not-so-good, perhaps): 1. Although Aspies (i.e., people with Aspergers) do feel affection towards others, relationships are not a priority for them in the same way that it is for neurotypicals or NTs (i.e., individuals without Aspergers). 2. A relationship with an Aspergers partner may take on more of the characteristics of a business partnership or arrangement. 3. Although he genuinely loves his spouse, the Aspie does not know how to show this in a practical way sometimes. 4. An Aspie is often attracted to someone who shares his interests or passions, and this can form a good basis for their relationship. 5. An Aspie needs time alone. Often the best thing the NT partner can do is give her Aspie the freedom of a few hours alone while she visits friends or goes shopping. 6. An Aspie often has a ...
Read more

List of Symptoms for High-Functioning Autism

Image
"Is there a list of symptoms or traits associated with high functioning autism in children? We currently have suspicions that our 6 y.o. son may be on the autism spectrum and are wondering if we should take the next step and have him assessed."    Below is a list of common traits among children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's. However, no child will exhibit all of these traits. Also, the degree (i.e., mild to severe) to which any particular trait is experienced will vary from child to child. Emotions and Sensitivities:    An emotional incident can determine the mood for the day. Becomes overwhelmed with too much verbal direction. Calmed by external stimulation (e.g., soothing sound, brushing, rotating object, constant pressure). Desires comfort items (e.g., blankets, teddy, rock, string). Difficulty with loud or sudden sounds. Emotions can pass very suddenly or are drawn out for a long period of time. Inappropriate touching o...
Read more

The Telltale Signs of ASD Level 1 [High-Functioning Autism]: A Comprehensive Checklist

Image
Below you will find the majority of symptoms associated with High-Functioning Autism (HFA), also referred to as Asperger’s. The HFA child will not usually have all of these traits. We will look at the following categories: sensory sensitivities, cognitive issues, motor clumsiness, narrow range of interests, insistence on set routines, impairments in language, and difficulty with reciprocal social interactions. Sensory Sensitivity Checklist— 1. Difficulty in visual areas: Avoids eye contact Displays discomfort/anxiety when looking at certain pictures (e.g., the child feels as if the visual experience is closing in on him) Engages in intense staring Stands too close to objects or people 2. Difficulty in auditory areas: Covers ears when certain sounds are made Displays an inability to focus when surrounded by multiple sounds (e.g., shopping mall, airport, party) Displays extreme fear when unexpected noises occur Fearful of the sounds particular objects make ...
Read more