Special interests?

[bobbythevet]

I've think I've heard this called an autistic 'special interest' before but I think that sounds a bit condescending- I dont know what else to call it though!

I get a obsessed with things from time to time- without being too specific, I have a rough rotation of particular games, hobbies and books that can become all I want to do.

I don't always have one of these focuses on the go, and when I do It doesn't go so far as to impact my daily functioning- I can still work/ parent/ chores etc. But I will happily lose sleep to peruse these interests in my down time, and sacrifice social opportunities.

I rarely talk about these interests as I'm aware it's probably a bit odd, which is probably why I'm posting about it really. Does anyone else have this, and what's it like for you?

I get this with food. I’ll only eat one thing for a while until I get sick of it. Currently smoked salmon fillet with salad. Every night for tea.

I have cyclical interests too. I do the same things over and over until I've had enough then move on to the next thing until I end up at the beginning again.

It’s very common in autism to have obsessional interests. Mine are Star Trek, Christianity, crosswords, and playing bridge! For my DD it’s computer games, vegetarianism, Buddhism and Communism.
Many primary age autistics are obsessed with dinosaurs or vehicles such as diggers or cars.