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How Special Interests Help My Mental Health as an Autistic Adult
When people on the spectrum are vulnerable to society ostracizing them because of their autistic traits, unfortunately, in some cases, it means that their mental health can deteriorate, as well. Indeed, autistic people have two to 10 times higher rates of mental health conditions than...
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When Special Interests Look Typical: Understanding the Hidden Intensity in Autistic Girls
Most autistic individuals develop special interests (SIs)—deeply focused passions that go beyond typical hobbies. These interests are often characterized by intensity, prolonged engagement, and difficulty shifting attention away from the topic. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental...
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Special Interests are the Key to Autistic Success, Employment, and Satisfaction
It is now widely accepted that special interests, for autistics, can serve as a powerful motivational tool, and in many cases present the only opportunity they have for future employment and independent living. This has been recognized by such prominent autistics as Temple Grandin and Stephen...
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Do’s and Don’ts of Connecting Through Classical Music: An Autistic Perspective
Neurodivergent special interests can be more or less "obscure." The author used to be fascinated by mathematics and was a math student through graduate school. Even at that time, I began spending an unsustainable amount of time in music libraries and record stores. Decades later, after writing...
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The Role of Anime as a Special Interest in Autistic Well-Being
Media has been a way to share stories, express ideas, and provide a sense of connection and understanding. Many individuals consider shows a special interest, and it becomes a strong topic and passion in their social lives. One example of media that is commonly discussed is cartoons and animated...
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The Autistic Special Interest as a Form of Communication
“What is with his obsession with dinosaurs?!?” “She just won’t shut up about Disney movies!” “If these kids would spend half as much time studying as they do playing with Pokémon cards, they’d be a lot better off.” Such are the responses that tend to greet special...
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(Autistic) Girls on Film? An Analysis of Autistic Female Characters in Media and Fan Interpretations
Contrary to popular belief, autistic characters in TV and film are nothing new. The first instance of an autistic person being portrayed o-screen is popularly believed to be Amanda from the 1969 crime drama Change of Habit, starring Elvis Presley and Tyler Moore. Initially, the little girl is...
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Living and Aging Independently on the Autism Spectrum: An Inside View
Having been diagnosed late in life at the age of 44, I lived for the better part of my life on the autism spectrum without myself or anyone else being aware of it. During the time in which I finally knew about this, I was already an older adult and, most recently, a senior citizen. Unlike so many...
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Autistics, Law Enforcement, the Law, and Unfortunate and Tragic Encounters
I am not an attorney, nor do I have any legal background. As such, I claim to have no knowledge of the law, and do not offer legal advice of any kind. What I am writing here is strictly my own opinion and impressions and is based entirely on personal experiences and stories I have heard from others...
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Diagnosing Depression in Autistic Individuals
This is the first of two articles about depression in people with autism. Part 2 is The Art and Science of Treating Depression in Autism. This article discusses topics that may be upsetting to some people. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 at 1...
