AUTISTIC AND GIFTED THINGS...
I'm not sure if people know what they're talking about when they talk about hyperfocus in autism and high intellectual abilities. Hyperfocus is one of my traits and at the same time a great ability. But many people imagine an extremely focused guy trying really hard to concentrate, with a sweaty forehead and veins popping out from the effort.
But no, sorry to ruin your fantasy. Hyperfocus, in my case, means that once I enter that flow state, my mind becomes a rocket and can operate at a speed that would make your ass wrinkle. But no popping veins and sweating on my forehead. In that flow, I'm reading, writing on the computer, taking notes in a notebook, listening to BB King at full volume, occasionally playing a game of chess or mahjongg, and eating some olives or nuts. I don't know how it is for other people, but it seems that doing all these things works as a stimulant and at the same time as a brake, keeping my overclocked brain from slipping and ending up exhausted. Also, as an occasional regulator, Lyon, my poodle, appears and starts running on the bed, inviting me to play, and then I get up to play with him for a while and have tea with my wife, who's working in her kitchen.
That's hyperfocus for me. I can spend an entire afternoon like that and get a lot of work done. And what happens if I focus on just one thing? Well, I'll do it wrong and end up in a bad mood.
Strange things about strange brains... The important thing is to have fun while I work...
#actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #giftedness #gifted #hyperfocus #concentration
