Special Interests in Autistic People

By Iman Moshaya

What is a special interest? 

Special interests are intense and highly focused interests that are common in autistic people. (Armstrong, Kimberly Ann (2014-10-17).) Around 75–90% of autistic people develop a special interest. (Bross, Leslie Ann; Huffman, Jonathan M.; Hagiwara, Mayumi (2022-01-01).)

These interests are often characterised by having a narrow focus making them spend hours researching and collecting information on their specific interest. 

Common examples of special interests include: 

- Vehicles 

- Characters 

- TV shows 

- Animals 

- Music 

- Video games 

- Art 

- Historical events 

How can they be helpful? 

Special interests can benefit autistic people by bringing them great joy, motivation, and a sense of purpose. Engaging in their passion can lead them to have better mental health and develop skills. Sharing their interest can help them find friends and develop social skills. (Grove, Rachel; Hoekstra, Rosa A; Wierda, Marlies; Begeer, Sander (2018).)(Winter-Messiers, Mary Ann (2007)) 

How are they disabling? 

Although special interests bring joy, they can also be challenging. Being intensely focused on a specific topic can hinder social interactions because the individual may be uninterested in engaging in conversations that are unrelated to their interest. Additionally, it can negatively impact the person because they may be too focused on their interest which affects their academic performance and their general responsibilities. However, the impact of special interests varies greatly among autistic individuals. (Bross, Leslie Ann; Huffman, Jonathan M.; Hagiwara, Mayumi (2022-01-01)) 

References: 

● Summit SFU. Summit: SFU’s Research Repository. https://summit.sfu.ca/item/14668 

Special Interests in Autistic People 

● Berney, S. P., & McGill, D. A. (2024). Vocational rehabilitation and employment outcomes for individuals with neurological disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 60(2), 123-136. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr221218 

● Cogan, R., Lanteigne, M., & Brouwers, M. (2024). The role of vocational rehabilitation in supporting individuals with acquired brain injury: A review of evidence. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 58(5), 404-412. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1931

● Patterson, T., & McCluskey, R. (2007). Understanding vocational rehabilitation: Integrating theory, practice, and policy. Journal of Rehabilitation, 73(3), 45-52. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07419325070280030301 

● Berney, S. P., & McGill, D. A. (2024). Vocational rehabilitation and employment outcomes for individuals with neurological disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 60(2), 123-136. 

https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr221218