A hallmark characteristic of Asperger Syndrome is the presence of **special interests** that are: - Repetitive and restrictive - Often involving fascination with facts, numbers (dates, telephone numbers) - Often involving mobility (trains, railroad timetables, highway maps, routes, distances) - Obsessive in nature — intensity remains even when the specific interest changes **Example:** A college student with AS became obsessed with stadium name changes due to commercial contracts. He spent endless hours online tracking upcoming changes, writing letters to officials, and reporting to everyone he met. The pursuit became so intense his grades suffered despite being an honor student. These interests differ from NT hobbies in their **intensity** and **restrictiveness** — they can dominate the person's life and displace other priorities. **Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Ch 1 (p24) See also: [[Autistic Triad]]