Obsessions and Autism

Obsessions?  Really?  Yes.  Really.  Now they are an integral part of life with autism.  And I would say there are two types of them (if you can describe it like that).  I have found it disconcerting at times, but I know it’s important, so I don’t mind.

There are the types of obsessions that are continuous and ones that are just for a while.  Some you want to keep, some you don’t mind, and some you actively dislike.  You can’t argue against them and there’s no point in getting upset and wanting rid of something.  Because it will either stay or it won’t.  The best thing you can do is accept the fact that this is your reality and deal with it.

Now I will admit there are times I find it easier to deal with them and sometimes not.  And it can be frustrating having the same thing over and over and over again. But that is life.  Learning to accept and live with it can be difficult, but it’s ok.  

Let’s get back to the two types of obsession.  The first one is one that they never stop.  It goes on into their older ages.  And then there are some that are temporary.  Well, ok, they may go on for a few years, but essentially they are not permanent. 

One of the continuing essentials of well, a LOT of autistic people are brilliant with computers, internet, youtube etc.  And it’s because of how their brains function.  Now I can never remember if it’s left or right brain thing, but that’s what causes them to be so brilliant!  Kevin actually works with computers and has done ever since he was at school.  Johnathan is fantastic too, but he can get frustrated very quickly if anything goes wrong.

The biggest obsession I know of and one that most people on the spectrum have is the desire for plushies, or ANYTHING that you can hug and feels REALLY soft.  I have seen photos and pictures of children with plushies.  It’s not a problem (if you can find the space - ours are in a small furby tent).  Johnathan knows every one of them and their names and each one has a different voice and expects you to behave in different ways to and for them.

Both Kevin and Johnathan love furbies and Kevin had his collection (which have turned into Johnathan’s - except his most precious one).  We have just bought one of the latest furbies and I think it’s the best because it doesn’t have an annoying voice/noise it makes.  I can handle that being played with.  But the others?  Oh no!  Kevin and Johnathan used to have furby parties where they all talked to each other.  I couldn’t handle them myself, so they did them when I was out.

So, as you can see, there are different obsessions when you have an autistic person around and they may stay or not, but accepting them is the easiest way to deal with them.  They don’t harm you and they make the person happy.  Would I like to sleep in a sleeping bag with about 30 cuddly toys in with me?  Not on your life!  But it makes my son happy, so I let him do it.