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So- it's that month where all of us Autism Spectrum disorder become super-Aware. Autism Awareness month- See something, say... nothing? I'm late getting to this post, but didn't see any other discussion specifically about it.
Anyways- I'm wondering if there is a prevalence of ASD/ Asperger'S Syndrome in the mini hobby/ painting community or if it's just biased. I was diagnosed in my early 20's and it made a lot of sense, but I'd been in miniatures and painting since I was about 12. Later on, I found out Jen Haley (one of the best American painters, IMHO) also was diagnosed later as an adult.
The hobby is very calming overall for me, where I can take my attention to detail and focus it into a small space. But- if I had to self-psychoanalyze myself (Note: MYSELF, not generalizing here!!) the mini hobby is where you're literally moving tiny people around- and I don't have a good grasp on manipulating people how I'd like. I say "manipulating" but that's what it is- even though that has a negative connotation, having tact, flirting, being diplomatic, etc all are for mutually better ends, but it's essentially changing a person's mind/ perspective. So, it's like you have control over people- plus, the minis are small, so feel empowered to help out the bad self-esteem issues.

So I guess my questions are: Is there really a prevalence in the mini hobby of ASD/ Aspies, and are my reasons for doing it similar or not? Any anecdotes about friends/ family from you "Normie" NT's is appreciated!

You're minis are not literally tiny people. Or people of any variety. Just metal/resin/plastic models.

Yes. No. Maybe.

I know creatives who I would say are very low on the spectrum, and others who "must" follow all the "rules" (official and not) who tend to be higher on the spectrum.

On balance, I think you'll find all sorts here - which is part of the fun!

Not ASD so far as I’m aware, but I do live with mental health stuff like depression and anxiety.

The hobby helps me manage those. Even if it’s just a quick 15 minute session, getting things progressed helps settle my mind. I’ve even been known to break the paints out whilst working (from home), as a deliberate distraction to get my thoughts out of a rut.

So I’d argue there absolutely are mental health benefits, and I can see how those would benefit those on the spectrum, at least as far as my strictly limited understanding goes.

But, from my time as a GW Till Monkey? You did see a fair few kids on the spectrum come through the door. And for a lot of them, and the other kids? It was perhaps their first time in an accepting place, where being Nerdy was something everyone had in common. To see them make friends and come out of their shells was a definite perk of the job.

I have a mild form.

Mild but easily noticed, but recently diagnosed, at the age of 50. After the diagnosis, people I mentioned it to commented along the lines of "Well, duh".

My parents got me into D&D, which lead to onto wargaming, when I was 12. Being a teacher of children with all sorts of special needs, my Mum would have known what she was doing when she did that.

The social side of the TTG hobbies is a big thing for people like us. The games have a lot of structure and processes, which a lot of us with ASD-related conditions, which can help with the less comftable parts of socialising.
If nothing else, gaming lets us drop the mask for a while. Gaming venues are a kind of safe space for a lot of us.

A hobby of any sort can help for focus, concentration, and distraction from other issues. Painting is a recognisable way to progress in the hobby all help with feelings of self-worth. Fluff and lore are conversational points to engage with others.

I don't think that there are any more people with ASD in the hobby than in any other walk of life, but I think that the lingering stereotype of a hobbyist is often reinforced by the one or two ASD players in any given store/group.

I think it's a hobby that disproportionately attracts people on the ASD spectrum. Though not all players will be on the spectrum either.

Something you can do socially and alone, that's got loads of lore, rules, details, collections to complete and so on.

I dunno but it's becoming increasingly difficult to call out regular bad behavior without accidentally being unkind to folks with actual conditions.

> You're minis are not literally tiny people. Or people of any variety. Just metal/resin/plastic models.

Oh, sure. The next thing you and the other voices are going to say are that those other voices I'm hearing AREN'T real.

Anyway, keep painting. Glad to hear of a hobby that helps you out. I've heard others say how it calms or otherwise helps them as well.

Doesn't help me, mind you. I get all sorts of about which gets me all sorts of even when I'm not painting.

I think one thing that's important to note is that the hobby is a niche. Many towns might only have one or two clubs with 10-20 people and those would be considered pretty active.

Salute - biggest wargaming convention in the country - only attracts thousands of people.


In contrast football can pack out every pub in the town with fans and that's still only a portion of them.


So when you've a much smaller group of people its much easier to spot the differences within the group because everyone is an individual. There's far less to now crowd to get "lost in" and many of the interactions are very one-on-one or small group affairs. So again very little scope to be the "quiet one at the back" etc...

Also if you ask the question, does the hobby attract those who have passion and interest in things but who might lack social skills and seek out activities that aren't sporting or require lots of social interaction with big groups - yeah it does. So that's a factor too that might well result in increased numbers joining in.