Autism and Special Interests

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 Autism and Special Interests 

What is a special interest? Imagine your favorite thing. It could be a book, a sport, a movie, or an animal. Now imagine thinking about your favorite thing every day for weeks or months. You want to talk about it all the time. You would buy items related to your favorite thing. You would study your favorite thing as much as you can.  

This is called a special interest.  

In the autism community, a special interest is more than simply liking something. We are dedicated to that interest. And everyone has a different way of expressing their interest. Some will try to learn as much as possible about their interests. Some might want to collect things related to their interests. Some just want to talk about the interests.   

Some Autistics can have one special interest. Some autistics have more than one special interest. Sometimes their interests can mingle or overlap with each other and some focus on one at the time.  

While having a special interest is great, it can be harmful sometimes. Some autistics are so focused on their interests that they might forget to take care of themselves. If worse comes to worst, they might be in the hospital for focusing on their interest that they forgot to take care of themselves. It doesn’t happen all the time but it's something to consider. If you are worried about someone who is in a state that they are not taking care of themselves, please check in on them or tell their caregiver your concerns.  

If you know someone who is autistic, take time to explore their special interests. Sometimes, we are shy or worry what others will think of us with a special interest. If you take an interest, listen, and ask questions about the interest, we will be happy to explain and open up to you. And you might have a new favorite thing too! 

In friendship,

Michelle Yoshimine

YLC Member, California