Adult Asperger’s Video 16. Living in a Bubble – Living with Asperger’s Eccentricity and Idiosyncrasies
My name’s Anthony King and welcome back to my video series about mild autism spectrum disorder in adults based on my book “Living in a Bubble”. Let’s continue from where we left off in our last video together…
Living with Asperger’s Eccentricity and Idiosyncrasies
Every person on this earth has their own unique quirks and personality traits. What I do find interesting is that people on the spectrum certainly have commonalities between them with regard to their behaviour. Many eccentricities and idiosyncrasies of somebody with ASD are obvious, but many are not. I’ve mentioned many in this series and in the book, like; OCD, obsessions, possibly even not driving a car, pattern recognition, memory for strange things and many more. Let’s take a look a closer look and see what tips we have today.
Eccentricity and Idiosyncrasies
Many people living with ASD are perceived as being different, odd or eccentric. Traits can include repetitive behaviour and obsessions. Often those of us on the spectrum have a particular topic which we are interested in and often an expert in as we have a curiosity and need to learn everything about certain subjects and topics we are attracted to. Sometimes people on the spectrum talk about their chosen topic of interest and only talk about that. All of the peculiarities in language and speech, repetitious rituals or routines coupled with often socially or emotionally inappropriate behaviours and bad communication skills, inhibiting “normal” levels of successful interaction can be perceived as odd and eccentric by some people. One of the diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s is, “encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus.” People with autism have many different obsessions but some of the more common ones include computer games, trains, historical dates or sports events, science, or TV programmes. Sometimes people on the spectrum develop obsessions with things like car registration numbers, train timetables, bridges, traffic lights, numbers and shapes etc. People with autism may also become attached to actual objects such as toys or models or unusual objects like stones, stickers, marbles or shoes. An interest in collecting is also quite common: it might be certain books or comics, brochures, insects, leaves or an unlimited number of “weird” things!
Tips and Advice
Eccentrics: A Study of Sanity and Strangeness is a book written by Dr David Weeks. He claims that his study “was the first and, to this day, the only scientific investigation of eccentricity”. He came to some really cool conclusions for people like us, including; that “eccentrics” are physically healthier and significantly happier than “normal” people. That’s pretty cool, don’t you think?
Top Tips:
1. Embrace your eccentricity
Embrace the positives about yourself, including your interests, eccentricities and idiosyncrasies. Be proud that you are not a conformist and just another clone!
2. Work to remove unnecessary ones or damaging ones
If you feel that something about you may be really odd or “weird”, self-reflect and ask yourself, “Is this behaviour damaging me in anyway?” If so, alter or refrain from that activity. Communicate with trusted friends and ask them to warn you if they are concerned about anything and to look out for you. Have at least one trusted friend who you confide in and tell your secrets.
3. Analyse yourself
It’s really important to self-analyse and understand yourself to grow and develop as a person. It will take effort and hard work but nothing in your life will be more rewarding in the end.
4. Family and Friends – Communication is key
Communicate with your family and friends if your innocent non-harming behaviour is an issue. Your family, through understanding of ASD and Asperger’s education will eventually understand and come to accept you for who you are.
5. Don’t be afraid to consult experts
If you are curious and want to investigate any oddities in your behaviour then do not be afraid to consult a psychotherapist or a similar expert – some are absolutely amazing!
Thank you for joining me today. We’ll continue with more in our next video. See you then.