Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I've posted a few times and joined a few discussions, whilst exploring the possibility that I'm ASD. If I was comfortable with 'just' self-identifying, I would. But I'm pursuing a diagnosis as I feel people in my life will only start believing me if/when I get one. It means I'm questioning things and probably overthinking things whilst I wait (which I'm gathering is a possible ASD-trait in itself!).
One thing that doesn't seem to fit clearly is with my special interest, because it's socially acceptable. Like, I'm all for people here who are into the less NT-conventional hobbies. All interests are great, as far as I see it. Each to their own. But is anyone else's special interest, inherently normalised, like mine?
You see, my obsession has always been football/soccer. Growing up I used to play, watch, read and talk about football all day and every day. It's probably the only thing which helped me bond and join in with others. If I wasn't inherently interested and good at it from an early age, I probably wouldn't have mixed with other children all that much, if at all. As an adult, I get down when I can't watch as much of it as I used to when I was younger and without grown-up responsibilities.
It isn't the passion or the camaraderie I like. Other fans and commentators on the TV frustrate and annoy me, rather than enhancing the experience. It's the being able to see things in players or things that happen on the pitch which others don't notice which I love. Like if I watch a game live, I see fouls or offsides before anyone else around me. I can pick out young or unknown players and see potential in them really early on.
But, then, I'm not stats or facts-obsessed, which might be expected for an ASD fan. It's more like me loving being an expert-viewer or scout. And I can't get enough. I could watch every European league, if I could.
So, I'm wondering, does anyone else have a genuine love for an NT-conventional interest? And, if you're diagnosed, do you think having that interest might've meant you 'hid your ASD in the shadows' so to speak and blended in with others more than you otherwise might have if your interests were less conventional?
Exactly that. I never spoke to my school team mates. To be honest, i disliked most of them. I hated cliques and once refused to be subbed because the guy coming on was the captains bum chum and a crap player Nearly got filled in but i didnt care...
I started playing for a pub saturday team by chance because an old coach recommended me. I reackon i could have been a decent amateur if i had the confidence, just such bad self esteem....it was crippling.....i thought id retired at 17 haha.....had a blast and helped me come out of my shell, great set of lads. Didnt talk much but loved being around them and being apart of something
When my daughter was assessed in the NHS, they said her interests were normal, and she wasn’t obsessive enough, despite me trying to explain just how all consuming they were. Just because one was a particular pop group, they just said it was run of the mill. She didn’t get the diagnosis then either.
Where I’m concerned, I’ve had to analyse my life over the last year, to see if I have all the traits associated with ASD. I didn’t think I had special interests because they were normal hobbies to me. Card making, music, illustration, writing, web design to name but a few.
I’m 48, and I have had loads of special interests over my lifetime, and still have firm favourites from when I was a child. The only one which I could say is slightly ASD would be flags.
An interest for me, would be something I know everything about, spend a lot of time on, ring me calmness, and hours can pass while I’m doing it and I don’t even realise.
I do t know define the difference between an NT hobby or interest between an autistic not really sure you can. Wouldn't say interests or hobbies are based on Autism. I do Warhammer which is s fairly geeky hobbie so it does apeal to people on the spectrum because of that. But at the same time I shoot and all though I don't play football I go to watch saints games when I can afford it. Not entirely sure I understand what your getting but assumed that was more or less it.
Yeah, I've had the same thoughts. It's like football became a communication thing for me as a child. I knew a lot of people - and was respected by my peers - because I could communicate with them with the ball. I didn't mix with anyone much outside of matches (when I played on a team) or break times at school.
Sorry, I've totally made up the "NT-conventional interest" vs "ASD interest" comparison. It might be me not fully understanding what "special interests" for ASD-individuals might be. I've always - probably wrongly - thought it meant unusual interests that most NT people aren't interested in, e.g. train or plane spotting or something like that (not that there's anything wrong with that interest, if anyone has it!!). But that might've just been an ignorant and incorrect assumption I made.
I think I was mainly just querying whether it counts as a special interest to be obsessed with (the non-stats side of) football?
Ninjamelody said:never heard of such thing as "NT-conventional interest
In my life time gaming went from highly niche special interest to primary global interest. I watch documentaries on gaming and gaming companies and have an ongoing awareness of most of the top operators in the field.
Yes - the 'field' of gaming. Official qualifications can be attained in the 'subject'.
This is a really interesting topic! I've never heard of such thing as "NT-conventional interest" or "ASD interest" but it got me thinking...I had a hard time with team sports, I like basketball but always struggle with being aware of other team members such as gauging who are open for me to pass the ball, or being open so they can pass the ball.I totally see your annoyance with other fans and commentators + just want to watch the game may be ASD related. Also know that you are not stat-obsessed surprised me a bit comparing to your obsession with the sports.Feel free to pinpoint if which of my interests sound like "NT-conventional interest" or "ASD interest":- Distance running (especially trail running): Running alone is my therapy but I am able to handle being in the crowd of a race and I talk to a lot of people there.- Music: I like listening, playing, writing songs, watch band documentaries, and go to shows once in a while. I feel delightful to find someone in the real world to talk about music in similar styles (symphonic metal and progressive metal mostly)- Crafting: I like building guitars, shelves, and learning bladesmithing.
This is very strange. I was only thinking last night, i wouldnt have had any friends if i didnt play football from a young age. I was quite good as a kid/teenager and it helped me be around people. I think people repected me for this particular talent, but i found it hard to socialise with team mates.
I wad obcessed wih teams as a kid and knew every single player, collected shirts, stickers.....still have a decent knowledge and follow my team...although not as obcessed now as i was as a kid.