A healthy obsession?

Just one of her afternoon scribbles

When reading about Aspergers I kept coming across the idea of a 'special talent' or 'special interests'. Basically a task that someone with Aspergers is good at, to the point of obsession. I read a lot about how simple things like maps and drawing or playing an instrument are quite common. My first thought, as it is when anything is described as obsessive, was negative. Having heard of obsessive compulsive disorder or obsessive cleaning or people being described as obsessive. It is a word so commonly used to describe something bad and negative. So can a obsession be healthy or even good?






One of my partners obsessions is maps, especially tube maps. She says its something about the structure and the colour of the London tube map that really catches her eye. She has a couple of them dotted about her room and I thought of them as more decorative until I got lost in London.

I'm never a great one for directions, I am always lost and without my smartphone (that often takes me the wrong way) I wouldn't have a clue. So, when I was stuck in central London without the internet one day, I phoned my partner. I told her where I was and within seconds she had my entire journey home mapped out for me from the nearest station (which tube line to get) and the number of stops before each change. I was amazed. Up until that point I hadn't realised just how interested she was in tube maps. And for me, it saved hours of walking around in circles in the rain hoping to bump into a station (this has happened more than once).

Since we have started playing a game, I name two points on a tube map and stare at the app on my phone she tells me exactly how to get there in the fewest stops with each station named along the way. What can I say, I'm helping her with her talent, and hey, I am learning too as I go along. I haven't been lost since and I find it amazing.

Then again, there are other times, especially when drawing, that aren't quite as fun. My other half loves to draw, and she's a very talented artist at that. There is always a sketchbook and pen about and any wait over 5 minuets the book is out and she's scribbling away. But, as I found out, being disturbed while working on a special interest is a BIG no no!

So, I like to knit, in some ways that's one of my special interests, but I like to knit and natter. So there I am nattering away, asking about her day and what she likes and dislikes, with the TV on and looking at twitter and god knows what else. I was responded with the odd grunt, short sentences and a couple of huffs. After a while I was confronted with one phrase 'Do you want to talk or can I draw?' I was taken back by this, she had the pencil in her hand and was drawing. When I asked more she explained to me just how much talking to her while she was drawing was distracting. She described drawing as being in her own little zone and by talking to her I was taking her away from that and leaving her unable to draw.

So, how to overcome this... I stopped talking and since then I have found other things to do. Instead of nattering away on a Friday evening when I get to hers after work, I have started cross stitch. It's the first time I have ever done it, so to make sure I don't go wrong I have to concentrate more. That means no talking. And now, these 'arts and crafts' evenings are just part of our weekly routine!