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?
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.
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.
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