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</noinclude>'''Special interests''' are highly focused interests common in [[Autism spectrum|autistic]] people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Special interests |url=https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/information-about-autism/behaviour/special-interests |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Ambitious about Autism |language=en}}</ref>
</noinclude>'''Special interests''' are highly focused interests common in [[Autism spectrum|autistic]] people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Special interests |url=https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/information-about-autism/behaviour/special-interests |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Ambitious about Autism |language=en}}</ref>


Special interests are more intense than typical interests, such as hobbies,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Kimberly Ann |date=2014-10-17 |title=Interests in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder |url=https://summit.sfu.ca/item/14668 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=summit.sfu.ca |language=en}}</ref> and may take up much of a person's free time. A person with a special interest will often [[hyperfocus]] on their special interest for hours,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Ian |date=2022-08-05 |title=What are special interests, and do they need to be addressed? |url=https://medium.com/@nkhr/what-are-special-interests-and-do-they-need-to-be-addressed-c55573a968a7 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>{{Unreliable source inline|date=May 2024}} want to learn as much as possible on the topic, [[Private collection|collect]] related items,<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Caldwell-Harris |first1=Catherine L. |last2=Jordan |first2=Chloe J. |date=2014-01-01 |title=Systemizing and special interests: Characterizing the continuum from neurotypical to autism spectrum disorder |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1041608013001519 |journal=Learning and Individual Differences |volume=29 |pages=98–105 |doi=10.1016/j.lindif.2013.10.005 |issn=1041-6080}}</ref> and incorporate their special interest into play<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Spiker |first1=Michael A. |last2=Lin |first2=C. Enjey |last3=Van Dyke |first3=Marilyn |last4=Wood |first4=Jeffrey J. |date=May 2012 |title=Restricted interests and anxiety in children with autism |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361311401763 |journal=Autism |language=en |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=306–320 |doi=10.1177/1362361311401763 |pmid=21705474 |issn=1362-3613}}</ref> and art.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Art and Identity on the Spectrum |url=https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2022/04/26/autism-art-identity |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=YES! Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
Special interests are more intense than typical interests, such as hobbies,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Kimberly Ann |date=2014-10-17 |title=Interests in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder |url=https://summit.sfu.ca/item/14668 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=summit.sfu.ca |language=en}}</ref> and may take up much of a person's free time. A person with a special interest will often [[hyperfocus]] on their special interest for hours,<ref>https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-children-special-interests/. Retrieved on May 19, 2024.</ref> want to learn as much as possible on the topic, [[Private collection|collect]] related items,<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Caldwell-Harris |first1=Catherine L. |last2=Jordan |first2=Chloe J. |date=2014-01-01 |title=Systemizing and special interests: Characterizing the continuum from neurotypical to autism spectrum disorder |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1041608013001519 |journal=Learning and Individual Differences |volume=29 |pages=98–105 |doi=10.1016/j.lindif.2013.10.005 |issn=1041-6080}}</ref> and incorporate their special interest into play<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Spiker |first1=Michael A. |last2=Lin |first2=C. Enjey |last3=Van Dyke |first3=Marilyn |last4=Wood |first4=Jeffrey J. |date=May 2012 |title=Restricted interests and anxiety in children with autism |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361311401763 |journal=Autism |language=en |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=306–320 |doi=10.1177/1362361311401763 |pmid=21705474 |issn=1362-3613}}</ref> and art.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Art and Identity on the Spectrum |url=https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2022/04/26/autism-art-identity |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=YES! Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
Some interests are more likely to be seen as special interests if they are particularly unusual, specific, or niche.<ref name=":3" /> [[Autism rights movement|Autism rights advocates]] and psychologists say this binary of acceptable "passions" and pathologised "obsessions" is unfair.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Bastow |first=Clem |date=2021-07-06 |title=If I wasn't autistic, would my encyclopedic knowledge of dinosaurs be a problem? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jul/07/if-i-didnt-have-autism-would-my-encyclopedic-knowledge-of-dinosaurs-be-a-problem |access-date=2024-05-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Krauss |first=David |date=2023-02-19 |title=De-Pathologizing the ‘Intense Special Interests’ of Autism |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202302/de-pathologizing-the-intense-special |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Psychology Today |language=en-AU}}</ref> Terms like circumscribed interests,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Porter |first=Noriko |date=2012-06-01 |title=Promotion of Pretend Play for Children with High-Functioning Autism Through the Use of Circumscribed Interests |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-012-0505-1 |journal=Early Childhood Education Journal |language=en |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=161–167 |doi=10.1007/s10643-012-0505-1 |issn=1573-1707}}</ref> obsessions, or restricted interests<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Spiker |first1=Michael A. |last2=Lin |first2=C. Enjey |last3=Van Dyke |first3=Marilyn |last4=Wood |first4=Jeffrey J. |date=2012-05-01 |title=Restricted interests and anxiety in children with autism |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361311401763 |journal=Autism |language=en |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=306–320 |doi=10.1177/1362361311401763 |pmid=21705474 |issn=1362-3613}}</ref> have historically been used to describe special interests, but these terms are discouraged by autism rights advocates.<ref name=":5" />
Some interests are more likely to be seen as special interests if they are particularly unusual, specific, or niche.<ref name=":3" /> [[Autism rights movement|Autism rights advocates]] and psychologists say this binary of acceptable "passions" and pathologised "obsessions" is unfair.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Bastow |first=Clem |date=2021-07-06 |title=If I wasn't autistic, would my encyclopedic knowledge of dinosaurs be a problem? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jul/07/if-i-didnt-have-autism-would-my-encyclopedic-knowledge-of-dinosaurs-be-a-problem |access-date=2024-05-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Krauss |first=David |date=2023-02-19 |title=De-Pathologizing the ‘Intense Special Interests’ of Autism |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202302/de-pathologizing-the-intense-special |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Psychology Today |language=en-AU}}</ref> Terms like circumscribed interests,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Porter |first=Noriko |date=2012-06-01 |title=Promotion of Pretend Play for Children with High-Functioning Autism Through the Use of Circumscribed Interests |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-012-0505-1 |journal=Early Childhood Education Journal |language=en |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=161–167 |doi=10.1007/s10643-012-0505-1 |issn=1573-1707}}</ref> obsessions, or restricted interests<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Spiker |first1=Michael A. |last2=Lin |first2=C. Enjey |last3=Van Dyke |first3=Marilyn |last4=Wood |first4=Jeffrey J. |date=2012-05-01 |title=Restricted interests and anxiety in children with autism |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361311401763 |journal=Autism |language=en |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=306–320 |doi=10.1177/1362361311401763 |pmid=21705474 |issn=1362-3613}}</ref> have historically been used to describe special interests, but these terms are discouraged by autism rights advocates.<ref name=":5" />


Revision as of 03:43, 20 May 2024

Special interests are highly focused interests common in autistic people.[1]

Special interests are more intense than typical interests, such as hobbies,[2] and may take up much of a person's free time. A person with a special interest will often hyperfocus on their special interest for hours,[3] want to learn as much as possible on the topic, collect related items,[4] and incorporate their special interest into play[5] and art.[6] Some interests are more likely to be seen as special interests if they are particularly unusual, specific, or niche.[2] Autism rights advocates and psychologists say this binary of acceptable "passions" and pathologised "obsessions" is unfair.[7][8] Terms like circumscribed interests,[9] obsessions, or restricted interests[10] have historically been used to describe special interests, but these terms are discouraged by autism rights advocates.[7]

Special interests are sometimes confused with hyperfixation.[11][unreliable source?] Hyperfixations are short-lived periods of strong interest in a subject over a few days to months which can occur in anyone (although are especially common in people with ADHD)[12], while special interests are an autistic trait and usually last years.[13]

Occurrence and development

Around 75–90% of autistic people develop a special interest,[4] with some studies claiming as high as 95%.[14] Special interests are often developed between one and four years of age but may not develop until adulthood.[4] Many special interests start in children as a fascination with a particular object (e.g. Thomas the Tank Engine) and later develop into an interest in a specific topic (e.g. trains).[2] A special interest may change over time or last a person's whole life.[15] A 2014 survey found that the average number of special interests an autistic person has is 2.7, and the average time they last is 13.8 years.[2]

Special interests in autistic people were first written about in 1943 by Leo Kanner as a trait of classic autism and a year later by Hans Asperger when writing about asperger syndrome.[2] Special interests were later one of the traits listed when autism first appeared in the DSM-3 in 1980.[2] In 2024, special interests are listed as a diagnostic trait of autism in the current DSM-5-TR, described as "highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests)".[16]

Common areas of special interests are transportation, animals, sports, and popular culture.[17]

Engagement

Engaging in special interests can bring autistic people huge joy[18][19] and many autistic people spend large amounts of time engaged in their special interest.[20] In adults, engaging with special interests has been shown to have positive outcomes for mental health,[21] self-esteem,[22] and can be used to manage stress.[17]

Special interests can sometimes interfere with other areas of a person's life, such as school.[23] In children, incorporating a child's special interest into their education has been shown to improve learning outcomes,[24][22] increase attention on learning topics[25] and teach behaviours such as sportsmanship.[26] Students have been shown to write better when writing about their special interest compared to a control topic.[27] A 2022 study showed 25% of autistic people who worked had employment in their area of special interest and that adults with employable special interests may have better employment outcomes.[28] Special interests may lead people to become child prodigies or savants in their area of interest.[17]

Social interaction

Encouraging discussion of a special interest can help autistic people develop social skills[17] and help them find social communities.[29][30]

Special interests may lead to social difficulties if the person does not want to discuss any other topic, and conversations may become one-sided.[2] Some special interests may be more socially acceptable than others, such as an interest in electricity pylons being seen as odder than an interest in horses or football teams.[17] Autistic people who are aware of this may deliberately stop themself from talking about their special interest as a form of masking,[17] especially if they have been mocked for their interest in the past.[14] Special interests may be atypical for a person's age.[2][31]

Autism acceptance proponents encourage autistic people to embrace their special interests, as long as they are not interfering with other parts of a person's life.[32] Special interests can be used by autistic people as a way to understand the world and allistic[a] people.[33]

Examples

Greta Thunberg's special interest in the environment led her to become a climate activist.[34]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ non-autistic

References

  1. ^ "Special interests". Ambitious about Autism. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Armstrong, Kimberly Ann (2014-10-17). "Interests in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder". summit.sfu.ca. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  3. ^ https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-children-special-interests/. Retrieved on May 19, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Caldwell-Harris, Catherine L.; Jordan, Chloe J. (2014-01-01). "Systemizing and special interests: Characterizing the continuum from neurotypical to autism spectrum disorder". Learning and Individual Differences. 29: 98–105. doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2013.10.005. ISSN 1041-6080.
  5. ^ Spiker, Michael A.; Lin, C. Enjey; Van Dyke, Marilyn; Wood, Jeffrey J. (May 2012). "Restricted interests and anxiety in children with autism". Autism. 16 (3): 306–320. doi:10.1177/1362361311401763. ISSN 1362-3613. PMID 21705474.
  6. ^ "Art and Identity on the Spectrum". YES! Magazine. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  7. ^ a b Bastow, Clem (2021-07-06). "If I wasn't autistic, would my encyclopedic knowledge of dinosaurs be a problem?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  8. ^ Krauss, David (2023-02-19). "De-Pathologizing the 'Intense Special Interests' of Autism". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  9. ^ Porter, Noriko (2012-06-01). "Promotion of Pretend Play for Children with High-Functioning Autism Through the Use of Circumscribed Interests". Early Childhood Education Journal. 40 (3): 161–167. doi:10.1007/s10643-012-0505-1. ISSN 1573-1707.
  10. ^ Spiker, Michael A.; Lin, C. Enjey; Van Dyke, Marilyn; Wood, Jeffrey J. (2012-05-01). "Restricted interests and anxiety in children with autism". Autism. 16 (3): 306–320. doi:10.1177/1362361311401763. ISSN 1362-3613. PMID 21705474.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference :6 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ https://thriveworks.com/help-with/disorders/hyperfixation/. Retrieved on May 19, 2024.
  13. ^ Wakeman, Caressa (2022-06-28). "May 14, 2024 | Neurodiversity in Engineering". Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  14. ^ a b Bross, Leslie Ann; Huffman, Jonathan M.; Hagiwara, Mayumi (2022-01-01). "Examining the special interest areas of autistic adults with a focus on their employment and mental health outcomes". Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 57 (3): 289–305. doi:10.3233/JVR-221218. ISSN 1052-2263.
  15. ^ Davey, Lydia (2020-05-31). "Using the special interests of autistic children to facilitate meaningful engagement and learning". Good Autism Practice (GAP). 21 (1): 43–64.
  16. ^ CDC (2022-11-02). "Diagnostic Criteria | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD | CDC". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Winter-Messiers, Mary Ann (2007-05-01). "From Tarantulas to Toilet Brushes: Understanding the Special Interest Areas of Children and Youth With Asperger Syndrome". Remedial and Special Education. 28 (3): 140–152. doi:10.1177/07419325070280030301. ISSN 0741-9325.
  18. ^ "How being a Titanic autistic helped me find my voice". ABC Everyday. 2024-01-09. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  19. ^ Blackwater, Amelia (2024-04-13). "How I Experience Autistic Joy". The Mighty. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  20. ^ Bross, Leslie Ann; Huffman, Jonathan M.; Hagiwara, Mayumi (2022-01-01). "Examining the special interest areas of autistic adults with a focus on their employment and mental health outcomes". Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 57 (3): 289–305. doi:10.3233/JVR-221218. ISSN 1052-2263.
  21. ^ Grove, Rachel; Hoekstra, Rosa A; Wierda, Marlies; Begeer, Sander (May 2018). "Special interests and subjective wellbeing in autistic adults". Autism Research. 11 (5): 766–775. doi:10.1002/aur.1931. hdl:1871.1/d5c70844-3d23-4e71-8c5d-82533196b003. ISSN 1939-3792. PMID 29427546.
  22. ^ a b Bredlau, Maggie (2017-09-01). "From Railways to Radiators: How Support Teams Can Use Special Interests to Promote Success Among Individuals with Autism". Journal of Educational Leadership in Action. 5 (1). doi:10.62608/2164-1102.1047. ISSN 2164-1102.
  23. ^ "Obsessions and repetitive behaviour - a guide for all audiences". www.autism.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  24. ^ Davey, Lydia (2020-05-31). "Using the special interests of autistic children to facilitate meaningful engagement and learning". Good Autism Practice (GAP). 21 (1): 43–64.
  25. ^ Wood, Rebecca (2021-01-02). "Autism, intense interests and support in school: from wasted efforts to shared understandings". Educational Review. 73 (1): 34–54. doi:10.1080/00131911.2019.1566213. ISSN 0013-1911.
  26. ^ Keeling, Katharine; Smith Myles, Brenda; Gagnon, Elisa; Simpson, Richard L. (2003-05-01). "Using the Power Card Strategy to Teach Sportsmanship Skills to a Child with Autism". Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. 18 (2): 105–111. doi:10.1177/108835760301800204. ISSN 1088-3576.
  27. ^ Sivertson, Krista (2010). "Stories from the Spectrum: How Special Interest Areas Affect Writing Quality for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders". hdl:11299/185741. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  28. ^ Bross, Leslie Ann; Huffman, Jonathan M.; Hagiwara, Mayumi (2022-01-01). "Examining the special interest areas of autistic adults with a focus on their employment and mental health outcomes". Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 57 (3): 289–305. doi:10.3233/JVR-221218. ISSN 1052-2263.
  29. ^ Long, Rebecca-Eli M. (2024-02-26). "Access Points: Understanding Special Interests Through Autistic Narratives". Autism in Adulthood. doi:10.1089/aut.2023.0157. ISSN 2573-9581.
  30. ^ Hobbs, Laura; Hartley, Calum; Bentley, Sophie; Bibby, Jordan; Lauren, Bowden; Hartley, Jackie; Stevens, Carley (2020-12-01). "Shared special interest play in a specific extra-curricular group setting: a Minecraft Club for children with Special Educational Needs". Educational and Child Psychology. 37 (4): 81–95. doi:10.53841/bpsecp.2020.37.4.81.
  31. ^ Motokane, Christine (2024-04-30). "How Pressure to Be 'Age Appropriate' Can Harm Autistic People". The Mighty. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  32. ^ Zukor, Leslie A. (2023-04-27). "Autistic People Should Embrace Our Special Interests". The Mighty. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  33. ^ Moss, Haley (2020-04-02). "For Autistic People, Star Trek Can be a Lens Into the World". www.startrek.com. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  34. ^ Silberman, Steve (2019-05-06). "Greta Thunberg became a climate activist not in spite of her autism, but because of it". Vox. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
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