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Repetitive and narrow interests

Autismman

Just wondering what others thoughts are on their interests and how those interests may have impacted negatively when they need to try learn new skills and or adapt to a new work environment. 

A little background on myself; I have very little interest in much outside the scope of the news, gaming, some history, nature and occasionally the spiritual world. It sounds quite extensive and would appear to cover most of the reality we find ourselves in however I have always lacked ambition or had any interest in what may be known as “being successful” or “popular”. I’m happy being me and my routine keeps me sane and feeling safe but I do not think others would understand this way of life or being. 

Any common experience or thoughts very welcome, thank you 

  • in reply to pietro_21

    I tell very few people about my diagnosis mostly because I’d feel like I’m just using it as an excuse and that they would see me differently or less of a person. 

  • in reply to Alice-nice-Alice

    Thanks for your reply, I suppose I shouldn’t care what others may think but I hate the thought of being misunderstood or judged incorrectly, 

  • I think to someone else me behaviours might seem very basic and creature of habit. I also think this is a lot to do with how people see me , my face and what I cannot change about me. So long as I’m happy and relatively flexible in my routines that all that matters.

    I’ve noticed when I talk to people and mention my ASD there is this long processing time thing, so I try not to put people through that. If no one knows I’m autistic perhaps I come across as quirky or eccentric.

  • Just realised I didn’t actually answer your question …

    My special interests have been predominantly science based until my later years. They didn’t especially hinder me but I guess I was deeply masking, just playing the NT games. As was as real science I loved sci fi, the classics from 50s, 60s, 70s such as Asimov, Arthur C Clarke, Larry Niven., Siak, Pohl.  I don’t think anyone has ever shared my interest in this genre of fiction except one recent very special friend , its sad but I learnt to live with it, masking again, not able to enthuse about my favourite authors. 

  • Hi again. 

    Well I think just being yourself with a routine which makes you feel safe is good. Ambition and success are very subjective things, I know many people who have achieved wealth, academic prowess, fancy possessions etc, but know every one of them was miserable as the happiness they chased was a chimera, that is the more they chased it the further it went from their grasp.

    My life was split into two parts. Until 1993 I was successful in management at big companies, flash car, power, influence etc, and utterly miserable. Then I was made redundant, got a low paid job in a library issuing and shelving books, and they were the happiest years of my working life. I had little money, lost the car etc, but learned to enjoy simple things again, a woodland walk, my favourite sci fi movies, listening to music and found friends like me. 

    good luck

    AnA