It is estimated that 75 to 95% of all Autistic adults have a special interest.
There are several benefits to having a special interest and engaging in it.
Special interests are a common characteristic of people with autism and can be a source of joy. They can also be a way to relieve stress, and some people with Autism use their special interests to create a successful career.
Special interests can be a strength for those of us on the spectrum. Our special interests can provide us with the structure we need, reduce our anxiety, help us relax and feel happy, improve our attention, and serve as a conversation starter for us which can help us enhance our social skills.
Although a special interest can be practically anything, here are the 11 common special interests among Autistic adults.
- Vehicles: Cars, trucks, trains, planes, and rockets
- Characters: Thomas the Tank Engine, Marvel Universe characters, Dora the Explorer
- TV and movies: The Wiggles, Dr. Who, Star Wars
- Individual interests: Cleaning, rocks, keys, toilets
- Computers and video games: Computers, tablets, video games
- Constructive toys: Puzzles or Legos
- Mechanical objects: example – tools
- Animals and plants: an intense interest in a special animal or bread of animal or plant.
- Music: Including listening to music or creating music
- Nature and Gardening: spending time in nature or planting, growing then eating food from your garden.
- Autism: Autism is often a special interest for those of us who suspect they are Autistic, self-identify as Autistic or have received a late diagnosis of Autism
