When I was 5 years old I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. I've always been known to become very obsessed with certain interests. When I was younger, many people tried to discourage my special interests by distracting me from them and trying to get me to become interested in more appropriate things, but after middle school my family finally just let me be obsessed with whatever I wanted. I'm now 22, and I'm still someone who has very intense special interests, which include: the tv show Sherlock, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Astronomy. Of course, I may annoy people by talking non-stop about a plot in Sherlock, but ultimately I have learned that special interests can be a positive thing. Especially when it comes to finding a career. I'm currently a college student majoring in Astronomy. I've been obsessed with Astronomy almost my entire life, and this obsession has helped me tremendously in my major. If I wasn't able to pursue my interests as a child, I don't think I would be as successful in my Astronomy major.
I wanted to write this story, because I want people to know that special interests can be a positive thing for people on the spectrum. A special interest can become a lifetime career.
Pittsburgh, PA
