Specific Interests

What are specific interests?
IN BRIEF

Autistic people can have extremely intense passions known as "specific interests." About 90% of autistic individuals have them. These interests might seem insignificant to non-autistic individuals (neurotypical people), or conversely, they might be very common. The key difference between a typical passion and a specific interest lies in the intensity and the amount of time the autistic person dedicates to it. For example, someone who is deeply fascinated by Pokémon won’t just collect trading cards—they might also gather promotional items, memorize the dialogue from all the movies, wear clothing featuring their favorite characters, and, most importantly, talk about this interest repeatedly with great enthusiasm. They might struggle to regulate how they communicate about it. Depending on the intensity of the interest, the person’s skills, age, experience, and ability to self-regulate, they will be more or less able to manage how this interest fits into their life.

What Are Specific Interests in Autism?

Specific interests, also called “special interests” or “restricted interests” (though the latter is less accurate and less respectful), are a defining characteristic of autism, present in 90% of autistic individuals. According to the DSM-5, the standard reference in psychiatry, they are a core diagnostic feature of autism. These interests can be very beneficial for autistic people, offering a way to focus, relax, and connect with the world around them.

Why Is the Term “Restricted Interest” Inappropriate?

The term “restricted” fails to capture the diversity and complexity of these interests. They can evolve or change over time, and it’s even possible, and common, to have more than one specific interest simultaneously.

Using “restricted interest” can feel dismissive or stigmatizing, as it implies that the interests of autistic people are limited or lesser compared to those of neurotypical individuals. This bias is particularly evident when specific interests are unconventional or unusual by neurotypical standards.

Specific interests can enrich the lives of autistic people and those around them, providing motivation and even validation. It’s essential to use respectful terminology to describe them.

What’s the Difference Between a Specific Interest and a Passion?

Passions and specific interests share similarities, and there isn’t a strict or universal distinction between them. Both describe an intense and enduring area of focus. Some specific interests may evolve into passions and vice versa. However, there are subtle differences between the two concepts.

Specific interests, while intense and long-lasting, can vary significantly from one person to another and may change over time. They can also be overwhelming, consuming large amounts of time and energy, and sometimes preventing the person from engaging in other activities. Additionally, they may be challenging for non-autistic people to understand.

Examples of Categories of Specific Interests:

Passions tend to be less overwhelming for the person engaging in them, although they can still be deeply absorbing. They often enable individuals to engage meaningfully with something that truly interests them.

Examples of Categories of Passions:

Positive Aspects of Specific Interests

Exceptional Skills

The time and energy autistic people dedicate to their specific interests can make them true experts in their fields. These interests might even develop into careers or lead them to become authorities in their domain. This sometimes reinforces the stereotype of the “autistic savant.” When discussing their specific interest, autistic individuals may temporarily seem to overcome other challenges, as their abilities shine in these moments, and their knowledge can appear remarkable.

Self-fulfillment

The intensity of these interests often drives autistic people to spend significant time on projects and see them through to completion.

Relaxation

Autism presents daily challenges that demand considerable adaptation. Specific interests can provide a much-needed and well-deserved respite.

Motivation Booster

Specific interests can serve as a motivational tool for achieving goals. For example, a speech therapy session or a spelling exercise might incorporate a theme like dinosaurs, or practicing navigating a crowd could take place in a train station if railways are a specific interest. Depending on their age and abilities, autistic individuals may also use this strategy independently.

Scenario

Coralie’s specific interest is manga. She struggles to understand the importance of brushing her teeth. Some parents advised hers to use a points-based system, allowing her to earn new manga. However, since the concept was abstract and the reward distant, it didn’t work. Coralie’s parents found a toothbrush featuring a character she loves online. Since then, Coralie has made real progress.

Building Connections

Autistic individuals who share a specific interest with others—such as through a club or organized activity—can use it as a tool for social interaction.

Important

Respect for autistic people’s specific interests is essential. These interests should be valued rather than minimized or judged.

Possible Challenges of Specific Interests

Overwhelming

If a specific interest prevents someone from taking care of themselves, engaging in other activities, or hinders personal development, it may be described as overwhelming and detrimental. Depriving someone of their interest isn’t a respectful or helpful solution. Instead, guidance toward balance or creative ways to integrate their interest into other activities is more effective.

Social Interaction Difficulties

Since social interactions are already challenging for autistic individuals—social difficulties are a core feature of autism—having a singular topic of conversation or speaking too much about their specific interest can exacerbate these issues.

Potential Danger

In rare cases, a specific interest might pose a risk to the individual or others. Examples include illegal activities, handling dangerous objects, or engaging in risky discussions on social media. In such situations, measures must be taken to help the person adapt their interest safely. Professional support from someone respectful of autistic individuals is essential. Abruptly depriving someone of their activity can lead to new issues.

Valérie Jessica Laporte

WRITER SPECIALIZING IN AUTISM (FRENCH)