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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does Anyone Have A Child With Asperger's That Is Obsessed With Cars? Do They Ever Outgrow Any Of Their Limited Interests?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Haughton, LA

I can't find any children that can relate to my child at all. He goes off on a tangent about cars nonstop. He thinks that everyone knows about what he likes and should like the things that he likes. I have encouraged his interest in Mustangs by buying him books on the subject, model cars, matchbox cars, etc. He likes to draw pictures of the interior of cars from memory. He is only 5 and in kindergarten. He doesn't have any friends. He comes off as rude/mean sometimes. I tried to get him into… read more

December 5, 2012
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Answer Summary

Members shared experiences with their children's intense car obsessions, offering reassurance that while the specific interests may evolve... Read more

Members shared experiences with their children's intense car obsessions, offering reassurance that while the specific interests may evolve over time, the depth of focus is common among children with Asperger's. Several members described practical strategies that helped, including using the special interest as a bridge to introduce new activities (starting conversations about cars then transitioning to related topics), incorporating it as a reward system during therapy, and gently encouraging participation in inclusive sports like tee ball or running races where the pressure is lower and coaches may be more understanding. A recurring theme was that many children do show social growth and decreased obsessive behaviors as they mature into their teens, learning to adapt their interactions by observing peers, though the passionate interests often remain a core part of who they are.

A MyAutismTeam Member

when my son was around that age he was obsessed with cars too. I have found that as he grew his obsessions changed. (The presidents, the states, the planets, etc). Now that he is 16, a lot of that have decreased. He does have interests that he spends a lot of time on, but not obsessively like when he was little. I think as he has seen how others act, he has tried to conform so that he feels more typical. A lot of the issues he struggled with (sensory,obsessions, eye contact) have diminished as he has grown.

April 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son's obsession is video games (primarily Pokemon). He will only talk to you if it is about games or art.

December 9, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

@A MyAutismTeam Member my guys love Smokey and the Bandit too. Track is a good option. Both my boys started running small local races at the age of 3 and have worked their way up to 5K. They love it and there are so many races for Autism you can support the cause.

December 6, 2012 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

If you have Netflix.. check out the movie Loving Lampost's it's very interesting and about these fixations

December 6, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

All 3 of my boys are obsessed with cars (1 Aspergers, 1 PDD-NOS, & 1 typically developing) It started with the oldest and now he has the other 2 on-board. We can't drive anywhere without them telling me the make and model of the cars on the street. Mustangs, Corvettes, and Volkswagens are their favorites. We marched in a parade the other day and they spotted a Delorean, you would have thought they won a million dollars.

December 5, 2012

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