An epiphany I’ve had recently has knocked me back on my heels somewhat and brought new perspective to how I perceive Ben and the complex, amazing boy he is (as well as providing additional insight into the “how” and “why” he is the way he is):
Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s/OCD/ADHD
- “Checker” – i.e. needing to check to ensure doors are locked, windows are closed, lights are off, faucets are off, etc.
- “Organizer” – i.e. everything has it’s place, must be organized and laid out in an orderly fashion (even items on a restaurant table)
- Focus on “even” numbers – i.e. volume knob must always ben on an even number (never an odd), sprinkler system duration has to be even number, etc.
- “Creature of habit” – prefer to take same routes every time, whether driving, walking, etc.
- Punctuality – never late, always planning way ahead, increasing anxiety as specific time approaches (travel, getting to work, social engagements, etc.)
- Inability to relax until everything is as it should be – i.e. once food has been ordered at a restaurant
- Mental checklists – constantly making, revising, checking off lists of to-do items throughout the day (and unable to fully relax and unwind until they’re all done)
- “Hoarder/collector” – strong compulsion to buy/purchase/own/collect extreme amounts of items of interests (comic books to sport cards to CDs to DVDs to books)
- Sensory issues – strong aversion to hot liquids (soup, coffee, tea, etc.)
- Very difficult time in social situations – idle chit-chat or meeting new people very challenging and stressful
- Inability to focus on one thing for an extended period of time
- Often detached and unemotional inside one’s head when the opposite should be true given the situation
All of the above are not characteristics of Ben – they’re my own. Quirks that I’ve never seen as a whole before, but now beg the question: who’s the Autistic one?