Intense interests and repetitive behaviours are a significant aspect of autism, often providing solace and aiding in daily life management. However, these behaviours can sometimes escalate into obsessions that may limit participation in other activities and cause distress or anxiety. This guide aims to shed light on this topic and provide practical strategies to help.
Intense Interests
Many autistic individuals develop intense and focused interests, often starting at a young age and potentially lasting a lifetime. These interests can range from art, music, gardening, and animals to seemingly unconventional topics like postcodes or numbers. For children, it might be characters from cartoons or Thomas the Tank Engine.
Some autistic individuals become particularly attached to specific objects, be it toys, figurines, or even uncommon items such as milk bottle tops, stones, or shoes. Collecting objects related to their interests is also quite common.
These intense interests often play a crucial role in an autistic person’s well-being and happiness. They provide structure, predictability, and comfort, helping individuals manage the uncertainties of daily life. Additionally, these interests can serve as conversation starters, boosting confidence in social situations and contributing to relaxation and joy.
Identifying Obsessions
The distinction between a hobby and an obsession lies in the intensity and duration of the interest. Here are some questions to consider:
- Is the person unable to voluntarily stop the activity or interest?
- Does the interest hinder the person’s learning?
- Does it limit the person’s social opportunities?
- Does it disrupt the lives of others, such as parents, caregivers, or family members?
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, the interest may have escalated into an obsession that affects the individual and those around them.
Repetitive Behaviour
Repetitive behaviours, often referred to as “stimming,” include actions like arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning, head-banging, or complex body movements. These behaviours serve various purposes:
- Enjoyment
- Seeking sensory input, such as rocking to stimulate the balance (vestibular) system
- Reducing sensory input, like focusing on one sound to block out a distressing environment
- Coping with stress, anxiety, or uncertainty
Consider whether these repetitive behaviours limit opportunities, cause discomfort, or hinder learning.
Support Strategies
To help autistic individuals with these behaviours, consider the following strategies:
- Understand the Function: Determine why the individual engages in repetitive behaviour or obsession. Does it reduce anxiety or provide sensory relief?
- Modify the Environment: If certain environments trigger these behaviours, make adjustments to reduce sensory discomfort. Find alternative ways to fulfill sensory needs.
- Increase Structure: Create a more structured and predictable environment to prevent boredom, a common trigger for repetitive behaviour. Prepare enjoyable or calming activities for redirection when needed.
- Visual Supports: Use visual aids like daily timetables, social stories™, or timers to help individuals prepare for change or navigate transitions.
- Manage Anxiety: Teach self-regulation skills to help the person identify and cope with stress and anxiety. Use tools like stress scales or traffic light systems to make emotions more tangible.
- Early Intervention: Encourage behaviour change early, as habits become harder to change with time.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear, consistent limits and gradually increase restrictions. Set realistic goals to build confidence.
- Provide Alternatives: Suggest alternative activities that serve a similar purpose. Consider joining clubs or groups related to the interest.
- Address Sensory Needs: Offer alternative sensory experiences that fulfill the same function.
By understanding and addressing these behaviours, you can better support autistic individuals in finding a balance between their intense interests and other activities, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.
