Understanding Restrictive Interest with AQ Test
Can AQ Test help identify restrictive interest patterns? Does having limited interest hamper anybody’s personal/social growth?
Let us understand what exactly ‘Restrictive Interest’ is, and its related complications, if any. Can autism quotient test help one understand the same?
Restrictive Interest – What is it?
Anything, for instance, a hobby or an interest, which is repetitive and limited in range or scope, constitutes a restrictive interest.
Examples of Restrictive Interest include
- Bodily Movements | Clapping, Swaying of Hands, etc
- Nonstop talking about a subject of one’s interest | A fictional character
A greater number of individuals who are diagnosed with the disorder are seen to have their academic skills as normal as with others.
On the other hand, some people with limited interests have also excelled in different sectors overcoming their limitations. Some of their chosen fields include, but not limited to:
- Technology and Gadgets
- The subject of their interest | Example: Science, Maths, etc
Likewise, many individuals have risen above their difficulties and mastered their success. It is no doubt; some people are successful in achieving great levels despite the existence of the disorder.
Although few people argue restrictive interests lead people to unlikely friendships, it could also signify impending problems at large.
Quick Help: People with restrictive interests might find solace in clubs and groups which have other people with similar interests.
How to understand if one has a restrictive interest?
Although the answer is debatable, a quick way to understand is by attempting the AQ test. Since repetitive behaviors and restrictive interests are seen to hang by a common thread it becomes much easier to understand.
Observation also plays a greater role. For instance, do you find someone over-focusing on one object or subject while completely shutting out others?
How restrictive interests and autism condition are interrelated?
One common thread hanging between the two is challenging behavior that many cope up with.
Challenging behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- High levels of anxiety
- Tantrums
- Sudden Outbursts etc
Is autism condition treatable?
No.
Autism is a condition and not a disease. Although the condition remains lifelong people with the condition can learn to cope up with necessary intervention programs.
AQ Test: How can it help?
The test consists of a series of questions that explores skills such as:
- Communication
- Socialization
- Attention
- Imagination and
- Tolerance to change
Recent times have seen different versions of the test developed with a unique approach to address the needs of children, adolescents, and adults. For instance, the present-day test helps one to also measure:
- Relational abilities of an individual
- Social abilities
- Scrupulousness
- Creative abilities
Proactive communication and exposure to newer environments can also help people with autism better their condition.
However, it should always be noted, results can be conflicting and expert opinion should always be given prior importance.
As a matter of fact, “Gaining valuable information is the need of the hour.”
After the above test, one can also attempt the ADHD test to understand more about the condition.
Ruby Joseph editor
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