"You're talking about bugs again?" Obsessions and Asperger's Disorder

by Kristyn Crow | More from this Blogger

01 Oct 2006 03:51 PM

One of the hallmarks of Asperger's disorder (and certain other disorders) is a child's tendency to be obsessed with particular topics. He might want to constantly talk about video games, race cars, cartoon characters, movies, or even bugs. It can be very frustrating for parents and teachers to deal with an obviously bright, articulate child who is somehow "stuck" in one particular frame of reference. How can we break kids of these obsessive thoughts and ideas?

The honest answer is... we may not be able to entirely eliminate them. Some children will gradually leave one special interest behind, only to quickly fixate on a new one.

According to Brenda Smith Myles, author of: Asperger's Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success, there are two ways to classify these thought-consuming interests. Some are considered "primary obsessions," and others are "secondary interests." Often it's difficult to tell which of the two you're dealing with.

Primary Obsessions are severe enough that it is very difficult to get the child to think of anything else. The obsession monopolizes conversation and daily activities. It also interferes terribly with schoolwork. The child is consumed by the thoughts. It is possible that certain medications, like those prescribed for OCD, could be helpful. Check with your child's pediatrician.

Secondary Interests are a challenge, and are somewhat obsessive for the child, but ultimately can be managed. Not only that, but secondary interests can be used as motivators, to help the child succeed in school or improve behavior. Here are some suggestions:

1. Reward the child for making conversation which is correctly related to what's going on. If you daughter looks at the sky and says, "I see an airplane," that's a comment which is appropriate and in the moment. Immediately respond with attention and praise. "You're right! I see it too! Look, it's very far away. You've got good eyes."

2. Give less of a response to random, meaningless comments about the obsession. If your child mentions the obsessive topic when it has nothing to do with what's currently going on, either don't respond, or act confused. Gently reply, "We're not watching that movie right now," or "why are you talking about that?" If the child becomes agitated, give a simple "ummm hmmm" with little eye contact. Then ask the child a question which requires him to engage in the present activity or conversation.

3. Use the topic to motivate good behaviors. Buy a book, toy, or game associated with the topic. Your son or daughter can play with it when homework is finished, or after sitting quietly. Perhaps allow her to watch the movie when she's completed a job around the house.

4. Working with your child's teacher, use the topic to promote learning. If your child likes insects, apply them to math problems. "If there are five ladybugs and the seven more land nearby, how many bugs in all?" Art projects that teach different techniques could involve the topic. Science experiments could address the topic in some way. Reading can be promoted by providing the child with books on the topic. Use the interest as a starting point, and then build upon it, slowly expanding the child's areas of interest.

Temple Grandin, a woman with autistic disorder who went on to receive a Ph.D., and became an associate professor and author, has said,

"The other teachers and professionals at the school wanted to discourage my weird interests and make me more normal, but Mr. Carlock took my interests and used them as motivators for doing schoolwork."

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Learn more about Kristyn Crow

Kristyn Crow is the mother of seven children, and the author of three children's books. Visit her website at www.kristyncrow.com.

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Megan Bayliss (3586) 01 Oct 2006 04:01 PM

Kristyn thank you. Very good article. When my son starts with the randoms, that turn to obsessions, it drives me to distraction. My veins feel scratchy like they have bugs crawling in them! I bite my tounge and cope. All points in secondry interests resonated with me.