About special interests (Extensive)

Special interests vary from person to person, but there are a handful of topics us Autistics tend to move towards.

Special interests are often seen as restrictive or intense interests that revolve around being fully focused in specific areas. Personally, I prefer to see them as passion projects. And yes, they often take a lot of our focus, but the notion of it being restrictive and intense, I do not agree with. Having special interests can be extremely helpful, refreshing and developmental.

These interests are varied in topics, activities, and/or objects. Many autistics have several special interests at once. Some Autistics have long-term special interests. Some have short-term interests that change over time or quite quickly. And some Autistics, like myself, have both special interests that last decades, and other interests that come and go like the seasons.

Common Special Interest topics and activities include

• Animals; visiting aquariums & zoos, bird watching, drawing animals, copying sounds, etc.

• Machines and tech; video games, coding, tv, computers, clocks and radios.

• Belief systems and politics; religions, mythologies, political systems and other belief systems.

• Sports or games; chess, board games, video games, basketball, football and/or sport statistics.

• Art and music; fashion, sewing, writing, knitting, carpentry, singing, dancing, and specific artists, actors & musicians.

• Maths and science; geology, astronomy, physics, chemistry, engineering, numbers, maths, meteorology, specific diseases, health and anatomy of humans and/or animals.

• Nature and plants; gardening, hiking, natural disasters, types of plants, etc.

• Object attachment, toys and collections; Pokémon cards, rocks, stamps, figurines, plushies, books, Lego, etc.

• Specific people; fictional characters from shows, movies, or video games, famous people in history or the arts, YouTubers, etc.

• Vehicles and transportation; trains, planes, buses, fire trucks, construction vehicles, car logos, etc.

• History and culture; specific time periods, events, languages, countries, capitals, flags, etc.

• Psychology; learning about Autism itself, psychological disorders, even astrology.

• Social justices, activism and advocacy; Autism advocacy, LGBTQ+ rights, social and racial issues, and other things relating to morality & ethics.

All interests include some form of collecting, whether it’s information or physical items such as collectibles or books which are then thoroughly organised and explored over and over and over again...

The significant impact that these special interests have on an Autistic person’s life is multifaceted.

Impact of Special Interests

As a coping mechanism - Special interests allow those of us on the spectrum to manage, cope, and unwind from daily and major stressers, anxieties and sensory processing overwhelms. The interaction and focus we put into our interests also help recharge our social and mental batteries. Furthermore, they provide some form of consistent control and familiarity in our chaotic and confusing lives.

A means of communication and social connection - Through chosen topics and/or activities Autistics find a means to express themselves better, start up conversations and try to find common ground with those we are interacting with. This helps Autistics bridge together usual conversation gaps that often arise in other contexts. When attempting to socialise it makes things a lot easier for us when there are shared interests. It acts as a topic for discussion, and a means to foster a sense of belonging and forming friendships. Conversations become slightly easier when activities become shared. Socialising through a special interest activity for example eases pressure of having to control or worry about facial expressions or body language. There’s an understanding of bonding over play rather than having to focus on eye contact or not being able to think of what to say next, you can always just talk about the activity you’re doing.

For motivation, learning and developing skills - Special interests can be an extremely powerful tool when it comes to educational and therapeutic situations. When you take a special interest and integrate it into learning activities it can become extremely motivating and aid in acquiring new skills and knowledge. When a person on the spectrum has a special interest their behaviour can often become repetitive and highly focused on that specific niche, or activity. That focus leads to skill development as the person hones in on their research abilities, memorization, and other skills relating to the interest itself. (This can often lead to very prolific and successful careers in those niches). From personal experience it also becomes extremely useful when used as part of a reward system.

Growth in identity, self-esteem and expression - Special interests, over time, help develop one’s self identity. When the individual  accepts and celebrates those interests the person enhances their self-esteem and over-all wellbeing, plus, improving their quality of life by managing stress, unwinding, and being happy & content in themselves.

My personal special interests include:

A brain map of my special interests.

More specifically speaking -

• I'm a PlayStation girl.

• I'm obsessed with video games, especially Tomb Raider and Skyrim.

• Speaking of gaming, my PS Vita is my baby.

• I love Pokémon and collect their cards.

• My love for conspiracy theories revolve around; Area 51, the death of Marilyn Monroe, The Backrooms, and the construction of the pyramids.

• My favourite mythical creatures include bigfoot, the Lochness monster, skinwalkers, mothman and dragons.

• And finally, my favourite horror related things include The Conjuring universe, Sinister, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Stranger Things, Coraline, and absolutely anything written by Darcy Coates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, special interests are far more than just intense fascinations—they are sources of joy, learning, connection, and self-expression for many Autistics. Rather than viewing them as restrictive or obsessive, it’s crucial to recognize their immense value in enhancing life experiences. Special interests serve as tools for growth, providing coping mechanisms, fostering meaningful connections, and unlocking potential in ways that are both personal and profound. By embracing and celebrating these passions, we not only support Autistic individuals in thriving but also gain a deeper appreciation for the richness they bring to our shared world.