Interest in buses and the autistic spectrum

[Martin1988]

I have been aware of and/or I am friends with a number of enthusiasts who identify with being on the spectrum themselves and I have full respect for these people. However I have more than once felt that people view my own interest in buses and coaches as a sign of being on the spectrum and more than once I have been directly asked by enthusiasts whether I am. This has made me feel a bit that being interested in buses and coaches is viewed as a sign of a 'weakness' or having something wrong and made me feel that therefore I shouldn't be interested in it.

Also, I've been on a number of enthusiasts trips to events this year and felt I've struggled with some of the other attendees. Often been finding that the people I've been sat by/near have seemed unkeen to really engage in conversation about anything and more than once I have been cut off whilst talking due to a bus, coach or even a lorry going past. For example I went on an organised trip to Showbus last Sunday and whilst I was trying to make conversation with my fellow passengers it was evident they didn't seem keen to engage in conversation. They also interrupted me when I was in the middle of saying something about myself due to a lorry passing by. Other times I've encountered people onboard vehicles or at events who have talked at me for ages when my body language is probably indicating I'm not interested or when I have been sitting with my headphones on listening to music tapping me on the shoulder or shouted to me to look at a bus or coach that is passing.

All these things together are making me feel as though I shouldn't be interested in buses and making feel negative about attending events.

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach these concerns?

 

[Trainman40083]

I'd say. Just enjoy YOUR hobby, and don't bother about other people.. .They should not act in a way that discourages you. If you don't want to engage, don't.

 

[LockKeeper86]

I think it's common knowledge amongst the general public that people on the spectrum may have special interests, some in trains or buses.

It's impossible to say what people's intent is behind asking you. My guess is that there is less prejudice and more understanding towards ASD now so people speak more freely and with curiosity when it comes to things like special interests. They are making small talk, or are trying to get to know you more and don't seem to think that these questions will be invasive or make you anxious. Some people might proudly reply 'yes I'm autistic and my interest in trains is a feature' while others might say 'yes but why do you ask? I'm not comfortable talking about being on the spectrum'. Personally I'd move on and not worry about other people's intent. Half the time people don't know why they ask the questions they ask haha.

As for group outings. Just because you have a interest in common with others doesn't mean you'll get on. A lot of people don't pick up on body langage and don't know how to communicate their own discomfort or boundaries.

Please enjoy your hobby. It's not weak. Sounds like maybe you are dealing with what's known as internalised stigma.

 

[WibbleWobble]

It is quite common for those with autism to be interested in transport, not just buses (my son for example has an interest in buses, trains and aircraft). They have a role, a purpose, and are very regimented (think timetables). They are also big, complex machines that come in varying shapes, sizes and types.

One thing to note is that autistic people often like to keep themselves to themselves, as they don't like engaging with others, especially people they don't know. They find it difficult to do so, and shy away from anything of a social nature - this is why one of the things considered when a child is screened for autism is they are asked if they have many friends and if they find they have trouble doing so.

 

[Hyebone]

Hiya, I thought I'd chip in as somebody who is diagnosed Autistic. (I realised whilst typing this that it sounds like I'm having a go. I'm not, I'm trying to be helpful)

A "special interest" is almost a magical thing for us autistics, the intensity and focus we have on our special interests is unmatched. You'll often find that we hold an insane amount of knowledge on a particular subject. (My younger cousin's special interest is sharks and marine biology; if I need to know something, she's the person I ask!). My "special interest" in buses and transport is very much so a result of autism, and I am proud of it!

Often been finding that the people I've been sat by/near have seemed unkeen to really engage in conversation about anything

Autism is a spectrum, all of us have different levels of communication ability. I consider myself quite able to communicate, that's not to say I don't struggle based on how I'm feeling. Many autistics will not be able to communicate as a "neurotypical" would, this involves both verbal and non-verbal communication.

more than once I have been cut off whilst talking due to a bus, coach or even a lorry going past.

That sounds like ADHD to me! Easily distracted and subsequently forgetting what was being talked about. Us autistics often struggle to follow typical conversation structure and often interject at the wrong time. Trust me, it's not intentional and I feel terrible once I realise.

Other times I've encountered people onboard vehicles or at events who have talked at me for ages when my body language is probably indicating I'm not interested or when I have been sitting with my headphones on listening to music tapping me on the shoulder or shouted to me to look at a bus or coach that is passing.

I myself struggle to read body language and social cues or pick up on sarcasm, the same is true for almost all other autistics. We are very logical thinkers, and prefer to be told things straight, to leave as little open to interpretation as possible. My advice? Be direct. Simply saying something like "Hi buddy, I don't have the time right now. I'll let you know if I'd like to chat once I've finished x activity." It is important however not to be dismissive of their enthusiasm as this can be quite damaging. So things like "Yo, shut up" will not be interpreted well.

Another couple of things I'd like to mention:

• Whilst excellent information retention is not a uniquely autistic trait, it is extremely common for individuals on the spectrum. You'll find us to be huge knowledge banks for information regarding buses, often able to recognise a vehicle type immediately even without seeing it!
• Ask us questions! We really enjoy sharing our knowledge. If we don't know the answer, often time we will break our backs to find it out for you! .

All these things together are making me feel as though I shouldn't be interested in buses and making feel negative about attending events.

Don't do that! This hobby is for anyone. I tend to avoid large bus events myself since I'm fairly anti-social, that doesn't mean my enthusiasm doesn't take over my life!

Any questions please ask, I'll be more than happy to answer.

 

[WibbleWobble]

Don't do that! This hobby is for anyone. I tend to avoid large bus events myself since I'm fairly anti-social, that doesn't mean my enthusiasm doesn't take over my life!

You're not antisocial (after all, you're not a yobbo!), you're just an introvert - something very common with autism.

 

[RJ]

Just enjoy the hobby the way you want to, in your own way. I always enjoyed taking solo bus rides. I’ve never had much interest in travelling to attend events, but I do enjoy bringing my buses so others can enjoy then.

 

[Leedsbusman]

This has made me feel a bit that being interested in buses and coaches is viewed as a sign of a 'weakness' or having something wrong and made me feel that therefore I shouldn't be interested in it.

It’s rather unfair to imply those on the Autism spectrum have ‘something wrong’.

 

[TheTallOne]

It’s rather unfair to imply those on the Autism spectrum have ‘something wrong’.

I’m not sure unfair is the right word. It feels like you are criticising the OP. (That probably wasn’t your intention, but people read things differently)

I think it is fair to say that some of the population think autistic people are a bit weird and that their hobbies might be a bit weird (or at least how often and to how much detail they talk about them).

It’s not a nice view point, but it happens.

Anyway Martin, enjoy your hobby and hang around with people you like and who like you. Ignore the opinions of everyone else. If you are autistic then you’ll feel normal amongst your peers - other autistic people (and those with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions).

 

[richw]

I’m not sure unfair is the right word. It feels like you are criticising the OP. (That probably wasn’t your intention, but people read things differently)

I think his post is valid. He’s implied autism and their extreme interests is a sign of weakness. It most definitely is not weakness. Probably the opposite. The enthusiasts that fall on the spectrum have found happiness and enjoyment which id deem a strength.

 

[Leedsbusman]

I think his post is valid. He’s implied autism and their extreme interests is a sign of weakness. It most definitely is not weakness. Probably the opposite. The enthusiasts that fall on the spectrum have found happiness and enjoyment which id deem a strength.

Thank you. Many have made a successful career out of their interest too.

 

[GCH100]

I am Autistic as well, I like my hobby of buses, trams, trolleybuses and coaches, but have not really been able to engage outdoors really with it, due to being long term out of paid work. I enjoy having transport books though, and I have a very large collection of them.

Autism and liking buses is certainly not a weakness, i've learned lots about business and geography through liking buses. I will say as well buses you didn't like as a kid you like as an adult with Autism, e.g. the Lancashire United Bristol RESL6G'S and Seddon Pennine RU's with Plaxton and Alexander bodies which always looked strange and were always parked in the side yard of Atherton with parts removed, little did I know when I was an infant, it was because they had been withdrawn from service, strange things I can remember is a Western Scottish Bristol Lodekka beimng outside for weeks and weeks in 1980, and seing it actually in use in Leigh once but without passengers, still pass to what it was doing there, and also a Alexander bodied Bristol RELL from the main Greater Manchester fleet being canibalised in the side yard on two seperate occasions, presumably spares for the native Bristol RE's, then scrap.

I unfortunaly don't get to ride on buses as much as i'd like as I have a car. I still haven't been into central Manchester for around two years except for hospital appointments.

 

[riceuten]

50 years ago when I was a child, although autism and ADHD indubitably existed, no-one had labelled it as such, and such children at the time were often labelled as "difficult".

And looking back, a fair few of my fellow transport enthusiasts were probably "on the spectrum" - the wealth of knowledge they had on various subjects was staggering. I think, to be honest, for some professions autism would be a positive boon.

 

[Martin1988]

Thanks everyone who has taken the time to respond. It has been really helpful.

 

[Bungle158]

If your hobby enriches your life, embrace it. Simple as!

 

[GCH100]

Autism isn't easy though, there are many setbacks with it, I just have had to adjust to take every day as it comes and not expect a lot. Buses, like I said before from the age of three have been my hobby, I suppose one or two trates of the bus enthusiast is in Autism as a trate, e.g. collecting bus memorabilia, compling lists of vehicles and routes, and seeking out one off and new vehicles, Autistic's like to collect things, listing things or reading lists and find things.