If you have an autistic child who is obsessed with one movie then you are not alone, it is very common.

Below we’ll explore what may be behind the behaviour and what you can do about it.

Autism and watching the same movie repeatedly

Firstly it’s important to recognise that obsessions in autistic children often serve as a coping mechanism and a source of comfort.

Movies, with their predictable narratives and familiar characters, create a sense of stability in a world that can be overwhelming for children with autism.

The repetitive nature of watching the same movie provides a reliable routine, offering comfort in the face of uncertainty.

An escape?

Autistic kids often struggle with social interactions and communication.

This can wind up making it challenging to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

A beloved movie can almost become a refuge, a place where they can feel in control.

The fact that they can understand the characters’ actions, and predict the storyline may provide comfort.

This predictability helps alleviate stress and allows them to escape into a realm where they feel secure.

An avenue for communication

Movies can also serve as a bridge for communication. As we know, autistic children might find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

Through their movie obsession however, they can communicate their emotions, preferences, and interests.

An example of this would be when the character in the movie is happy a child may recite that moment repeatedly, or act out behaviours.

Likewise when a character is sad or angry a child may repeat that moment in words or actions when they feel similar.

Paying attention to the specific aspects of the movie that captivate them can provide valuable insights into their thoughts and feelings.

What can you do about an autistic child obsessed with a movie?

Some parents will feel the need to intervene, others will be more relaxed. Here are some things to consider;

Introduce variation gradually

While it’s important to respect your child’s interests, gently introducing variety can help broaden their experiences.

Explore movies with similar themes or characters, gradually expanding their pallet for different stories.

This approach encourages flexibility while still honoring their need for routine and familiarity.

Nurture

Instead of discouraging your child’s movie obsession, you could consider embracing it as a tool for connection and understanding.

Perhaps watch the movie together, and if possible engage in discussions about the characters and plot.

This shared experience can strengthen your bond and provide opportunities for communication in a comfortable setting.

Find kids with similar interests

Some autistic children can struggle to make friends or just generally socialise.

An autistic childs obsession with a movie can be an avenue to help them in this difficult area.

Look for children at school or in social setting who have a similar interest. From there you can encourage them to play together.

Consider buying clothes which broadcast your child’s interest in a movie and can serve as an ice breaker in social settings.

Get professional support

If the movie obsession begins to interfere significantly with daily life or social interactions, it may be beneficial to seek guidance.

This could be from a healthcare professional or therapist specialising in autism.

They can provide tailored strategies to help your child navigate their interests in a way that supports their development and overall well-being.

Summary – Autistic child obsessed with one movie?

In the world of parenting an autistic child, understanding and embracing their unique interests, such as a movie obsession, can strengthen your connection.

By acknowledging the role these obsessions play in your child’s life, you can navigate this aspect of their journey in a reassuring way.

Don’t rule out using your child’s obsession with a movie as a tool in their development. Acting out scenes or activities from the movie can lead to speech development and bond formation.

Best of luck everyone.

Any tips or ideas?

We would love to hear from you if you have got any techniques or ideas for our readers to try.

Be sure to leave a comment if any of the above has helped or if you have any ideas we can add to this article.

Also be sure to search for any other articles you might find helpful.

Try for example searching below for topics like ‘meltdown’ or ‘communication’.