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Diagnosis and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviours, interests, or activities.

Jay

Hi all

I am hoping to be referred for assessment soon and am wondering about repetitive behaviours.  I don't fit into the stereotypical box of having huge collections or an encyclopaedic knowledge of dinosaurs or trains but I'm sure I'm being too narrow in my view of what Autism is (but I worry that the people who decide whether to refer me or not might be too). 

I used to be a bit obsessive (collecting films and posters) about a few film stars when I was young but that's probably normal.  Now, the main thing I guess is that I'm a bit obsessed with updating my accounts on Excel which I do most days.  The workbook has 25 sheets now and is pretty complicated.  In the past, I've also documented other aspects of my life there such as the amount I'm sleeping, drinking or using my phone (anything I have trouble with).

Has anyone had experience of diagnosis when they don't have any special interests?  I also feel like I put off indulging some interests as I'm just so busy with life, not to mention anxious and occasionally depressed which reduces my desire to spend time on my interests.  I also don't like to spend money so avoid buying all the books I would really like to.

As I love an online quiz, I did the RBQ-2A and score around 27 to 29 which is just above the diagnostic criteria.

I'm just trying to understand as much as I can as I'm not sure whether I meet the ASD criteria.  Reading the DSM 5, I would say not but all the quizzes and discussions on this forum suggest yes, as well as some family members independently suggesting I am and that my father is (I'm quite sure that he is as well).

Thanks for any input.

Jay 

Parents

  • I think sometimes we don't think we are *too obsessed* with something and might just see it as enjoying a hobby but to others it might come across as an obsession or strong interest. I like to collect information on different things I'm interested in rather than items per se. Sometimes i struggle to have motivation to engage in doing, but am more than happy to sit and read about it. Sometimes I can get into something for a very brief period. I think everyone is different. I think we often to look to others for reassurance (am I. ..am I not) but I've realised the spectrum is so vast.....repetitive behaviours isn't just about interests though. When I first started reading about autism I felt some things fit but not others.  I think sometimes I was taking very literally what I had read. Also it's a spectrum like a shape not a line. If diagnosed you might find you have a spiky profile with more difficulties in other areas.

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  • I think sometimes we don't think we are *too obsessed* with something and might just see it as enjoying a hobby but to others it might come across as an obsession or strong interest. I like to collect information on different things I'm interested in rather than items per se. Sometimes i struggle to have motivation to engage in doing, but am more than happy to sit and read about it. Sometimes I can get into something for a very brief period. I think everyone is different. I think we often to look to others for reassurance (am I. ..am I not) but I've realised the spectrum is so vast.....repetitive behaviours isn't just about interests though. When I first started reading about autism I felt some things fit but not others.  I think sometimes I was taking very literally what I had read. Also it's a spectrum like a shape not a line. If diagnosed you might find you have a spiky profile with more difficulties in other areas.

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