Why do autistic kids find patterns interesting?

Question

Why do autistic kids find patterns interesting?

Answer 1

we like the patterns, we like structure or order. a pattern repeats itself over and over again. its interesting.

I look ofter at my ugly wallpaper with interest, the pattern sort a pulls me in to find a sequences, codes, or structures hidden in the wallpaper. But its so ugly that I just want to torch it, but I cannot find where the patterns begin or end.

Answer 2

No one really knows. My theory is that it make a concrete thing in an otherwise chaotic world. My brother lines things up, throws toys that has to land face up, always uses the blue cup if the red on is in the dishwaher. His kippah has to match the writing on is T shirts.

I think it gives him a comfort level to his life.

That is just me though.

Answer 3

Being on the spectrum myself, with an autistic older sister and an autistic nephew, I think the best way to explain it is that as much as a great musical masterpiece hits the spot for a music aficionado when everything is in perfect harmony and pitch, so, too, do patterns affect the autistic mind, and disarray (or an organization that's not their preference) is much like the result of listening to an incredibly bad "American Idol" audition, and produces great cognitive dissonance.

I assure you, if you looked at my apartment, you'd conclude I'm definitely NOT OCD :)  However, my employment is one where such qualities (patterns, specific standards of neatness and elegance) are considered very important: software development.  More often than not, code that's not "elegant" tends to be buggy.

Answer 4

Because many of them have OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. They need to put objects in order or in groups.

Answer 5

Actually, not all of them do....neither my son or daughter have been interested in patterns. They do notice very quickly if something is different, though.

It's my understanding that many do like patterns because it provides predictability in a world that often seems unpredictable. Even something like brushing your teeth seems different every time to someone with autism, because of the attention to detail that they have. Maybe the water pressure is different, one bristle is bent, there's not the same amount of toothpaste.