It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and, to me, one of the most amazing things about neurodivergent individuals is having special interests and passions. They’re something that makes autistic people so unique and so interesting, and they’re also something I think is often misunderstood.

So, what are special interests?

Simply put, they’re an ‘obsession’ or intense interest in something. They can be hobbies, for example, a sport, or playing an instrument, or they can be topics, like science. They can be broad, like maths, or very specific, for example, sewing period costumes from the 18th century (!!), or a certain model of plane. They used to be called obsessions, but this has negative connotations of being something that makes people unhappy and is disruptive in someone’s life, while special interests bring joy to individuals, and can be a large part of their personality. 

They’re linked to autism because autistic people tend to have quite obsessive personalities, and naturally are able to focus in depth on specific things. 

What makes them so special?

To me, they are special because they are one of the most unique things about autistic individuals. I am always so curious to find out what someone’s special interests are. You can learn so much, and should really be considered super powers, or strengths!

Why are they important?

If you can find out about someone’s special interests, it’s an easy way to make conversation, and help them calm down in social situations or when stressed. When I had a meltdown when I was young, someone asking me questions about my special interest (whispered in my ear) could help me when I was at the end and ‘coming down’ to feel better. At social gatherings, if I don’t know what to say, talking about my interests can make me feel a lot more comfortable.

They can make you feel happy and give you energy. Even when I’m tired, engaging in my special interests – for example, reading about a biology topic or browsing cereals at a supermarket – can giv me energy and a clear mind. It’s relaxing, and a way to escape from the stress of daily life. Some suggest this is because the predictability of the interest provides structure and order against the uncertainties of the world.

They’re also important because they can be channelled into jobs or used to help autistic people thrive in school. Making homework and tasks linked to interests can provide more motivation, and if someone’s job involves the interest, it can make it more of a passion. I also find this applies to jobs I have to do each day. Chores are more fun if I’m listening to music I have a special interest in or if I am using tools (e.g. cookware) with designs featuring my interests!

What are some examples?

Recent studies have shown that 75% of autistic youth have at least one special interest, 81% being in TV or a certain show, 72% in a certain object (like things that spin or are red), 67% in music, 59% in a certain toy, 53% in collections, 50% in animals, 46% in construction, 45% in transportation, 43% in art, and 43% in machines. 

In a different study, autistic adults most common special interests were in history and culture (21.8%), sciences (20.4%), creative arts (54.5%), machines and technoloy (16.6%), and sports and games (17.5%).

What about my interests? 

I have lots of special interests! Here are some of mine (some are long-standing, and others are more recent, and I’m not sure how long they will last!!):

I have lots of special interests! Here are some of mine (some are long-standing, and others are more recent, and I’m not sure how long they will last!!):

• Art – I love arts, and all crafts. Sewing, crochet, a bit of DIY, drawing, painting, and also studying the history of art!
• Food – this has probably been one of my most long standing special interests. I collect 12 different products (as soon as there is a new variety or twist on it, I go and buy it, review it, and keep the wrapper in a folder), vintage memorabilia, and also do a Christmas food and Easter food haul and tastings every year! I also love studying food marketing, politics, and the nutrition, and I love baking too!
• Harry Potter, Anime, Disney, Pokemon, various bands – I love all these franchises and am obsessed with Bowie, Taylor Swift, The 1975!
• World Culture/History, particularly of Britain, the Philippines, and Japan
• Science, particularly biology, and zoology
• Mental Health/Autism – I also am very passionate about mental health and autism and enjoy anything to do with these topics, from reading research papers to volunteering!

Hopefully this has given you some insight into special interests! What are your special interests?

Resources used: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Mean-and-Maximum-Number-of-Interests-Identified-in-Each-Special-Interest-Category-for-NT_tbl2_231740470
https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/the-benefits-of-special-interests-in-autism/
https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/special-interests-in-autism/