Solo wargaming and autism

I like to think that I am a wargamer. In fact I am a man who spends many hours preparing for games which rarely come to the table.

In this way, and in many others, I have come to believe that I am in to some extent autistic.

Since my wife was diagnosed as being “on the autism spectrum” I have been looking at the way that I pursue my life, reading and watching information on the subject.

I like things to be organised. I like to know what is happening, and when. I try to pursue a regular pattern of activities. I enjoy detail, and am frustrated when I cannot achieve it.

I am a pedant. What I learned at school is important to me and I do not like change without reason.

I am not great at socialising. I think that my friends tolerate me and my foibles. At least I hope so.

And how does this relate to my wargaming? Although I have a lot of ideas “on the go” I tend to focus in great detail on one game or campaign, to the detriment of all others, for a while. Then something else grabs my attention and off I go in extreme detail on another project.

Currently I am focussed on a map-based game of the second World War – all of it! I am using as much original data as I can lay my hands on for this project. Meanwhile, the painting table is littered with 3mm metal figures waiting for me to remember what I was previously working on.

Does this ring any bells with fellow “wargamers”?

Even if not, I can recommend the TV drama series: “The A Word” for more understanding of the issue. Although the series focusses on one child, it gradually becomes clear that every major character in the story is, whether they accept it or not, in some way autistic.