A Ticking Hobby: Clocks and Fascination with Them in Autism

Clocks as a Special Interest in Autism
An intense interest in clocks among some individuals with autism is often a manifestation of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs) — one of the core features of autism spectrum disorders. These fixations usually serve specific psychological or sensory functions, but their impact is often broader than it may seem.

1. Why Clocks?
   Several factors contribute to the unique appeal of clocks for autistic individuals:

• Order and Predictability
  Well-functioning clocks operate in a stable, precise manner. This regularity offers comfort — especially in contrast to the chaos of the outside world. The rhythmic motion of the hands and their alignment with a fixed sequence of numbers satisfy the deep need for predictability.
• Sensory Appeal
  Visual stimuli (like moving clock hands) and auditory stimuli (ticking sounds) can have a calming effect. For children with sensory processing differences, clocks provide a controlled and soothing form of sensory input.
• Understanding Time
  Time perception is often atypical in autistic individuals. Research shows they may struggle to assess time intervals accurately. Clocks become tangible tools that help them interpret the abstract concept of time.

Obsession vs. Interest
Unlike typical hobbies, fixations like this tend to dominate daily life. A child may become distressed if not allowed to look at clocks or might talk excessively about time. This behavior can interfere with learning and socialization, and often coexists with other RRBs — such as lining up objects or rigid adherence to routines.

The Positive Side
Despite potential challenges, this interest can be used for developmental gains. Clocks can help children learn:

• Numbers and sequencing
• Cause-and-effect relationships
• Self-regulation, as watching the hands move can reduce anxiety

To prevent fixation from escalating into obsession, experts suggest offering sensory substitutes — toys with rotating elements, such as spinning tops.

Coping Mechanism and Developmental Potential
A child’s fixation on clocks often reflects an attempt to adapt to sensory and cognitive peculiarities. Monitoring for potential issues is important, but supporting the interest can increase a child’s sense of safety and control.
Moreover, this hobby could evolve into a deeper passion for engineering, mechanics, programming, or design, unlocking hidden talents.

However, when the fixation begins to negatively affect behavior or daily functioning, therapies like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) can help correct harmful behavior patterns. Occupational therapy may improve sensory processing and motor coordination.

Moving Beyond Partial Solutions
While traditional therapies are beneficial, they often require significant time and may offer only partial relief. Fortunately, a much more effective and innovative alternative has recently emerged — cell therapy, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms of autism in a short period of time.

This minimally invasive procedure involves transplanting the patient’s own stem cells — the body’s basic building blocks — which can develop into any type of cell. They identify damaged cells and replace them with healthy equivalents.
Because the patient’s own biomaterial is used, there is no risk of rejection. The therapy is entirely natural, as it stimulates the body’s own regenerative abilities without medication.

As a result:

• Brain and nervous system function is restored
• Behavior becomes more stable and predictable
• Development speeds up
• Skills are acquired or improved more efficiently
• Autism symptoms diminish — and in many cases, disappear completely

These outcomes are long-lasting and often permanent, significantly increasing the success of other correctional therapies.

Cell therapy is already gaining recognition as a powerful method for treating autism and may become the primary approach in the future. Currently, only a few of the world’s leading clinics use this advanced technique.
Among them is the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, staffed by highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in stem cell transplantation. Equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, the clinic delivers the best possible therapeutic results.

Its services meet the highest international standards, while treatment remains more financially accessible than in many developed countries. Additionally, the center provides full support at all stages — from travel planning to accommodation during the rehabilitation period.

Cell Therapy — A Modern Solution to the Challenges of Autism!