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Repetitive Thinking and the Autism Spectrum

2/23/2010

 
One of the most troublesome aspects of autism and Asperger’s can be the tendency toward repetitive thoughts, also referred to as stuck thoughts or ruminations. While this trait is probably tied to the ability toward extreme focus that can be such a strength for those on the spectrum, it’s a problem when individuals can’t shift away from thinking about things that are not of their choosing. Often, individuals get caught up in worries, dwelling on past slights from others or their own mistakes or have problems letting go of past traumas.

Frequently, people will refer to this issue with the term “obsession”, but I don’t like to use obsession in this case. Technically, “obsession” as used in the mental health sense refers to stuck images, thoughts or ideas that are a part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Although some individuals with ASDs also have OCD, that’s not always the case.The content of thoughts in OCD also tend to be different than those found with ASDs. (For an excellent article on this, see McDougle, C. J., Kresch, L. E., Goodman, W. K., et al (1995) A case-controlled study of repetitive thoughts and behaviour in adults with autistic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152, 772 -777)

An excellent book for self treatment of OCD is Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, by Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M. D. Schwartz presents a four step program involving learning to recognize obsessive thoughts, labelling them as a part of OCD, focusing on something else for at least a brief while, and then finally “revaluing” these obsessive thoughts. You can find a clear explanation of these four steps on the website for the Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders, Inc. 

Neither the book nor the website talk specifically about the autism spectrum and repetitive thoughts, but Brain Lock does have an interesting chapter on the Four Steps and Other Disorders, and states that they can be applied to “almost any behavior you genuinely want to change.” (p. 187) The ideas in this book are certainly worth considering for those on the autism spectrum dealing with this troublesome issue.
Herstelle
6/12/2022 03:37:15 pm

I can attest to this. Other people are moving on and living their best life then there is me tortured by my past.

Nathan
7/25/2022 06:24:51 am

Sorry to hear that, I'm going through the same thing. I hate my life, but vast majority of others are able to have fun and enjoy themselves while I break into meltdowns at home on a weekly basis.


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    Patricia Robinson MFT

    I'm a licensed therapist in Danville, California and a coach for Asperger's and ADHD nationwide. I work with individuals of all ages who have special needs, like Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD, ADHD, and the family members and partners of special needs individuals.

    ​I'm also an engineer, with two degrees from MIT and over a decade working in high tech corporations.

    I work hard to help you solve problems and make a difference in your life.

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