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Management of obsession

Dad2067

Hi,

Our 12 year old son who I would describe as mild Aspergers is very much into building computers. I'm not sure if it represents a "special interest", but it is certainly something he is very passionate about and devotes all of his time too. 

Having built a new one recently I'm worried that he is seeing problems with it that aren't there, either so he can re-build it or whether he is being obsessive. I'm not sure whether to pander to this and avoid the resultant stress he feels or to try and educate him to hopefully accept that there isn't an issue. As parents should we accept their "special interest" and go along with it always, or should we try and help modify their behaviour if at times the situation becomes unacceptable? 

Any thoughts and experiences gratefully received.

Parents

  • Thanks so much Classic Codger. 

    My daughter has always needed help with the 'right' way to act in different situations. She had learnt so quickly and well, though, that like you describe, she seems to be coping most of the time. She's never been a 'people person', rarely socialises outside of school, has always liked to know what was going to happen (unlike you, she has to know what tea is going to be!) and can talk for hours in a not quite to you sort of way on favourite subjects.  

    We always thought that was just the way she was. Her special subjects have always included her school subjects, which has meant she has achieved very highly academically. That and her perfectionism do have a positive side. 

    This is her third episode of OCD now, though, and they come on when something happens to make her stressed. You could be right that they are just a symptom or part of  of asbergers - that seemed to be what the councillor was saying. 

    I will talk to her about Asbergers and encourage her to join this forum, it seems a very supportive place and I'm sure it will help. But she has her A level mocks next week and the second counselling session. I'm not sure if the counsellor is going to bring it up herself so I'll just leave it a little while. 

    Thanks again,

    Rachel

Reply

  • Thanks so much Classic Codger. 

    My daughter has always needed help with the 'right' way to act in different situations. She had learnt so quickly and well, though, that like you describe, she seems to be coping most of the time. She's never been a 'people person', rarely socialises outside of school, has always liked to know what was going to happen (unlike you, she has to know what tea is going to be!) and can talk for hours in a not quite to you sort of way on favourite subjects.  

    We always thought that was just the way she was. Her special subjects have always included her school subjects, which has meant she has achieved very highly academically. That and her perfectionism do have a positive side. 

    This is her third episode of OCD now, though, and they come on when something happens to make her stressed. You could be right that they are just a symptom or part of  of asbergers - that seemed to be what the councillor was saying. 

    I will talk to her about Asbergers and encourage her to join this forum, it seems a very supportive place and I'm sure it will help. But she has her A level mocks next week and the second counselling session. I'm not sure if the counsellor is going to bring it up herself so I'll just leave it a little while. 

    Thanks again,

    Rachel

Children
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