Symptom 3: Staying on Beat – The Repetitive Behaviors and Need for Routine
Life, with its unexpected twists and turns, can be unpredictable. For most, a little spontaneity adds excitement. But for many with Asperger’s Syndrome, predictability is comforting. Repetitive behaviors, rituals, and routines act as their safety net. It’s like listening to a favorite song on repeat; the familiarity of the rhythm and lyrics brings solace in an otherwise chaotic world.
These repetitive behaviors can manifest in various ways: from the way they arrange their books to specific rituals they follow before bed. It’s an orchestrated symphony where each repetition, each ritual, is a note that brings harmony. This isn’t just a ‘quirk’; it’s a coping mechanism, a way to make sense of the world around them.
Change, even if minor, can disrupt this symphony. Imagine having a routine you follow religiously, and suddenly a chord is out of place. The anxiety this triggers for someone with AS is palpable. This dependency on routine, while comforting, can also make adaptability to unexpected changes challenging.
Yet, this affinity for structure isn’t without its merits. Their organized approach, attention to detail, and consistency can be an asset in many professional and personal settings. It’s about channeling their natural inclinations into productive avenues where their strengths shine the brightest. (3)
