Does this sound like OCD to you?

Question

My mate is quite a clever guy. Brilliant memory. He can recite conversations we've had from years ago. A bit strange however. He becomes quite fixated with certain topics, whether it is a movie, or even a person, and learn everything there is to do with that topic. All our conversations revolve around his obsessions which tends to become quite frustrating. He is easily bothered by certain textures also, such as jeans, paper, velvet... etc. In addition he is quite the musician, upon hearing a song he can make his own arrangement on the piano within minutes. He's a great guy, but extremely frustrating at times when your attempting to have a conversation with him and he is relating everything to say to his current topic of interest. I've known him for a long time, and i've always been curious as to why he's like this. Do you think it is OCD?

Answer 1

Sounds like Autism, more precisely Asperger's.  

Answer 2

What you're describing sounds like a classic case of Asperger's Syndrome. He might never have been diagnosed but if it's mild enough it isn't maladaptive enough to pose a significant problem for someone, so testing isn't always sought.

It might help if you learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's so that you can better understand your mate. That would be helpful for him, too. You're a good friend.  

Answer 3

Doesn't sound like OCD.  OCD is a compulsion to do things.  Usually related to a fear of something being dirty.  The texture thing could be a little OCD.  

Answer 4

Sounds more like Autism. There is such a wide spectrum but these are many of the typical symptoms.