obsession or addiction?

Hi pinklaces34

Our Helpline team have passed this information on.

People with autism can have obsessions or intense interests and so an obsession can be something that turns into an addiction where the person spends most of their time /energy on the addiction and cannot stop themselves from spending time on the addiction.

Our information about obsessions would be worth reading: http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/understanding-behaviour/obsessions-repetitive-behaviours-and-routines.aspx 

We are not aware of any books or specific research into addiction at this stage but this may be something that will be published in the near future.

However we have a small database of counsellors with experience of working with people with autism and counsellors often have experience in supporting people to manage obsessive behaviour. People with autism find it helpful to see a counsellor with experience of the condition. Counsellors can help with issues such as obsessions, anxiety, anger management and relationship difficulties which are all common issues for many individuals with ASD and can have a lot of impact on their lives. Please find more detailed information about counselling and choosing a counsellor at these links:

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/strategies-and-approaches/counselling.aspx

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/strategies-and-approaches/counsellors-and-psychotherapists-guide.aspx

Some counsellors can do NHS work. GPs can apply for NHS funding for the counselling to be free of charge.

I hope the information is helpful.

If you require any further information or support, please do not hesitate to contact us again, either by email (autismhelpline@nas.org.uk) or by telephone (0808 800 4104, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).

Hi pinklaces34

Our Helpline team have passed this information on.

People with autism can have obsessions or intense interests and so an obsession can be something that turns into an addiction where the person spends most of their time /energy on the addiction and cannot stop themselves from spending time on the addiction.

Our information about obsessions would be worth reading: http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/understanding-behaviour/obsessions-repetitive-behaviours-and-routines.aspx 

We are not aware of any books or specific research into addiction at this stage but this may be something that will be published in the near future.

However we have a small database of counsellors with experience of working with people with autism and counsellors often have experience in supporting people to manage obsessive behaviour. People with autism find it helpful to see a counsellor with experience of the condition. Counsellors can help with issues such as obsessions, anxiety, anger management and relationship difficulties which are all common issues for many individuals with ASD and can have a lot of impact on their lives. Please find more detailed information about counselling and choosing a counsellor at these links:

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/strategies-and-approaches/counselling.aspx

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/strategies-and-approaches/counsellors-and-psychotherapists-guide.aspx

Some counsellors can do NHS work. GPs can apply for NHS funding for the counselling to be free of charge.

I hope the information is helpful.

If you require any further information or support, please do not hesitate to contact us again, either by email (autismhelpline@nas.org.uk) or by telephone (0808 800 4104, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).