Chronicles of an Atypical Mind — Unfiltered and Unapologetic
Personal stories, science-based articles, and resources on autism, bipolar disorder, and atypical cognition.
Routines are part of the diagnostic criteria for ASD—autism. They involve sequences of repetitive actions, gestures, or behaviors. Behind this somewhat dull medical criterion lies a daily reality for many autistic people who experience it in a much more vivid way. Each repeated gesture is in fact a compass for the autistic person, guiding their day. Routines provide them with structure and organization.
Special interests in autism resemble passions, but they often differ in their intensity, their all-consuming nature, and the important role they play in everyday life. I have several major special interests in my own life. Some go back a very long way, with one probably dating back to my childhood. But what exactly is a special interest?