People with AS have a **powerful need for sameness and predictability**, manifesting as: **Resistance to change:** - Changes in routine produce real discomfort - Attempts to control situations to avoid discomfort - NTs may misinterpret these behaviors as selfish or uncaring - Environmental changes (e.g., furniture rearranged) cause upset **Case example:** A man with sudden severe chest pain (suspected heart attack) was told by his wife with AS that it was time to go to the airport — he could come or not as he pleased. Her response: "Call 911." **Inflexibility:** - Cannot shift attention easily - Once a decision is made, impossible to change mind - Cannot look at something from a different perspective - Disruption to routine can make concentration impossible **Example:** A college student skipped class and went home when his ride took a different route — he couldn't "settle down and study" without things going "in the right order." **Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Ch 1 (pp26-27) See also: [[Autistic Triad]]