Autism Special Interest: A Deep Dive Into Passion and Purpose

By Cat Salladin

The concept of autistic special interests refers to the intense and focused fascination that autistic individuals often develop for specific topics, activities, or hobbies. These interests are not merely pastimes but serve as an integral part of an autistic person’s life, shaping their identity, providing emotional regulation, and offering a sense of purpose. In developing a better understanding of neurodivergence and, specifically, autism, it’s important to explore what autism special interests are, their role in the lives of autistic people, and how society can better support and embrace them. 
 

The Essence of a Special Interest

At its core, a special interest is a deep, long-term passion for a certain subject, concept, book series, media, character, and anything else. While non-autistic individuals may have hobbies they enjoy, an autistic special interest is characterized by its intensity and the level of expertise an autistic person may develop surrounding their interest. These interests are not casual; they’re deeply intertwined with the individual’s sense of self and can also be hyperfixations. 

Autism special interests can vary widely in focus, ranging from universally recognized topics like dinosaurs, music, and video games to highly niche areas like vintage corsets, the history of medieval weaponry, or the migration patterns of specific bird species. 

The critical element is the depth of connection. While some people may engage with a topic occasionally, autistic individuals may immerse themselves fully, finding joy in both learning and sharing about their interest. Many times, autistic individuals find it challenging to pull themselves away from their special interests when they need to do other things. This can create challenges in their lives despite special interests being a huge source of joy and identity for them as well. 
 

Autistic Special Interests and Emotional Well-Being

Autism special interests are far more than a source of joy; they are vital tools for emotional regulation and mental health in autistic individuals. 
 

• Stability in Chaos: The predictability of a special interest offers a safe haven in a world that can often feel overwhelming or unpredictable.
   

• An Outlet for Expression: Autistic individuals may find it challenging to communicate emotions directly. Engaging with a special interest can provide a way to express feelings indirectly, whether through creative work, research, or interaction with others who share the interest.
   

• A Calming Effect: When sensory overload or anxiety strikes, diving into a special interest can act as a grounding technique, restoring a sense of calm and focus. For autistic people, special interests can be one of the best ways to regulate when feeling distressed or overstimulated. 
   

How Special Interests Shape Identity

For autistic individuals, special interests are more than hobbies; they’re a cornerstone of identity. 
 

1. Discover Their Strengths: Mastery over a subject cultivates a sense of competence and achievement, boosting confidence. Some autistic individuals are fortunate in that they can go into a field related to their special interest. Personally, I’m grateful that one of my special interests is psychology and neurodivergence, which works out great for me as a therapist and coach!
    

2. Form Social Connections: Sharing knowledge about a special interest creates opportunities for meaningful interactions, particularly with those who share similar passions. Bonding over shared interests is a very valued autistic love language. When someone else shares your special interest, it can feel truly magical and like you’re truly understood by that person. 
    

3. Navigate the World: Special interests can serve as a lens through which autistic individuals understand and engage with their surroundings. Connecting educational concepts to an autistic person’s special interest, for example, can help them understand and comprehend the concept better.
    

Special Interests Across a Lifetime

Special interests can evolve over time, with some lasting a lifetime and others emerging during different stages of life. A child may develop a passion for dinosaurs, which matures into an academic career in paleontology. Conversely, some interests may be fleeting, serving as a temporary refuge or source of inspiration before naturally waning. One can also have multiple autism special interests at one time, with all of them evolving and changing in intensity in relation to each other. This is helpful when one special interest becomes overwhelming or draining and the person can shift their focus to another one.
 

How Special Interests Contribute to Society

One of the most remarkable aspects of autism special interests is their potential to enrich not only the lives of the individuals who hold them but also society as a whole. Autistic people often develop an unparalleled depth of knowledge and innovative approaches within their areas of interest, leading to breakthroughs in science, art, technology, and more.

For instance, many renowned scientists and inventors have been speculated to have autistic traits and intense special interests. Additionally, autistic artists and writers often bring unique perspectives that challenge conventional thinking. Creating environments where special interests can thrive is crucial to supporting the wellbeing of autistic people and making society as a whole better. 
 

How Special Interests Help with Regulation

Autism special interests play a crucial role in emotional and sensory regulation.
 

What Does Regulation Look Like?

For autistic individuals, engaging with a special interest can regulate your nervous system during sensory overload. They can also provide a structured, focused activity to counter anxiety. Additionally, special interests can act as a routine that offers stability during transitions or changes. Special interests are often a safe thing to return to when things feel out of control either internally or externally. 
 

Examples of Regulation Through Special Interests

For example, imagine an autistic person whose special interest is painting. After a particularly stressful day, they retreat to their art studio and lose themselves in blending colors and creating new designs. The act of painting becomes a meditative process, soothing their mind and helping them process the day’s experiences while simultaneously regulating their nervous system.

Or, maybe another autistic person’s special interest is politics or social justice. Even though those topics can be particularly stressful, emotional, and heavy to a lot of people, this autistic person may still find them regulating. Special interests can be very serious and distressing on the outside, but can actually be regulating and calming to the autistic person who engages with them. 
 

Special Interests and Social Connection

Contrary to the stereotype that autistic individuals are disinterested in socializing, special interests often act as bridges to form connections, especially within neurodivergent spaces.
 

Infodumping as Connection

Infodumping, the act of sharing extensive knowledge about a special interest, is a way many autistic individuals express enthusiasm and seek connection. Although it can be misunderstood as one-sided, it’s often a heartfelt attempt to engage and share joy. In neurodivergent-affirming spaces, like among a group of neurodivergent friends, infodumping is commonly seen as a love language. It’s enjoyable to go back and forth sharing the things you’re passionate about!
 

Community and Belonging

Online forums, clubs, or groups centered on a shared interest provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie. For example, a love of video games might lead to participation in online gaming communities, offering both friendship and a space to thrive.
 

Challenges of Special Interests

While overwhelmingly positive, special interests can sometimes present challenges.
 

Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus, or becoming so absorbed in an activity that other responsibilities are neglected, can be a double-edged sword. While it can spur productivity and mastery, it may also lead to missed deadlines or neglected self-care. Personally and ironically, I had trouble getting myself to write this article because I’ve been so hyperfixated on a specific podcast that relates to my special interest. I had to pull myself away from it to get myself to focus on this!
 

Misunderstanding from Others

Society often misinterprets the intensity of special interests as obsessive or strange. This lack of understanding can lead to feelings of isolation or stigma. Thus, it is important to educate others about autism special interests and why they are important for autistic people’s wellbeing. 
 

Difficulty Transitioning

When circumstances prevent an autistic person from engaging in their special interest, it can cause distress or a sense of loss. For example, a student with a special interest in a particular topic in history might struggle when the school curriculum moves on to the next topic.
 

Supporting Special Interests

Supporting special interests is a very impactful way to improve the lives of autistic individuals.
 

1. Create Space: Provide a dedicated environment or time for engaging in the interest without interruption. We are always grateful when they can engage in our special interest without judgement or interruption. 
    

2. Show Interest: Ask questions, show curiosity, and celebrate their expertise. We want to share our passions with you, but we also may be nervous about letting people see that side of us. Active listening and invested attention are the key to helping us feel safe.
    

3. Incorporate Interests into Learning or Work: Tailoring educational or professional tasks to align with a special interest can unlock motivation and potential.
    

4. Encourage Balance: While special interests should be nurtured, encouraging time for other activities helps maintain balance and prevent the special interests from keeping the individual from engaging in necessary tasks and self-care. 
    

A Society That Embraces Special Interests

Respecing and honoring special interests should be common practice across a variety of settings: 
 

1. In Schools: Teachers can integrate special interests into lesson plans to engage students and cultivate a love of learning. Incorporating autistic special interests can make learning easier, more understandable, and more digestible for autistic people.
    

2. In Workplaces: Employers can tap into the unique skills and perspectives that special interests bring, creating roles where autistic employees can thrive. Collaborating with the individual to incorporate the passions that they bring to the table can make work not only more enjoyable, but also more sustainable for the autistic person. 
    

3. In Media: Positive representation of autistic characters with special interests can help normalize and celebrate this trait. Instead of portraying autism special interests like obsessions that are weird or undesirable, the media should describe and explain special interests for what they are: unique passions that support identity, emotional wellbeing, and more. 
    

The term “autism special interest" encapsulates far more than a hobby; it represents passion, regulation, identity, and connection. By understanding and valuing the role special interests play, we can create a more compassionate, inclusive world that genuinely celebrates neurodiversity. Whether it’s through promoting and cultivating opportunities to explore these passions or simply validating their importance, embracing special interests is a crucial way to support autistic individuals in living fulfilling, authentic lives. Honoring the depth and beauty these interests bring is one of the best things you can do for an autistic person. If you ask yourself “am I autistic?” you may begin to explore your relationship with special interests and the intensity with which you engage in them.