Did you know that your special interest is a superpower?
It is very likely that you have a special interest as 75% to 95% of Autistic adults develop special interests.
Special interests are very important to many of us on the spectrum. They can provide profound emotional support for Autistic adults in various ways. These interests often serve as anchors of stability, sources of joy, and tools for self-regulation in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Special interests for Autistic adults like you and me are vital emotional tools that HELP us navigate life, manage emotions, and thrive. Recognizing and supporting these interests can greatly enhance our emotional well-being
Our special interests can be more than the stereotypical misconception of trains, computers or mathematics.
Special interests are not just hobbies. Our special interests can include anything from medieval history, culinary arts, fashion, relationships or anything else under the sun.
Special interests such as crafting, knitting, or building models often have repetitive motions that can help soothe us by acting as a form of self-soothing or stimming which can facilitate emotional regulation.
Special interests can also significantly contribute to our well-being by providing emotional support in various ways including serving as an anchor for stability and a tool for self-regulation in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
When we are faced with challenging situations, engaging with a special interest can be a way to self-soothe, self-regulate and distract us from stressors.
Being deeply engaged with our special interest can be calming and help manage anxiety or stress, providing a sense of comfort and control.
For example, let’s say you are feeling anxious or stressed, 2 common experiences for those of us on the spectrum. The predictable and enjoyable nature of engaging in a favorite special interest, such as researching a specific topic or playing a familiar video game, can provide a calming focus that can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
When we find ourselves in a chaotic or overstimulating setting, retreating to a special interest like solving puzzles or reading about a specific topic provides a familiar and comforting escape.
Special interests can provide us with a sense of control by allowing us to dive into a detailed or structured interest, like organizing a collection or studying a complex system, offers a sense of order and control, which can be reassuring in an unpredictable world.
During times of feeling emotionally overwhelmed, engaging in a special interest such as watching a favorite series or engaging in a repetitive and satisfying activity related to the special interest can distract you from overwhelming emotions caused by sensory overload, social situations that are demanding, unexpected changes in routine, difficulty processing information, masking our Autistic traits, and trying to navigate a world not designed for our needs.
Our special interests can offer us a safe space to express ourselves. For example, when engaging in an activity such as painting, creative writing, or playing an instrument can serve as an emotional outlet, helping us express our feelings we might find difficult to articulate verbally.
The intrinsic joy and excitement from engaging in a special interest, like gardening or coding, can improve mood and provide motivation, especially during difficult times.
Special interests can help us build social connections through like-minded communities, whether through online forums, clubs, or events like conventions. These connections provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
When our special interests are related to aspirational topics, such as advocacy, space exploration, or environmental conservation, they can inspire hope and give a sense of purpose, even during challenging times.
Our intense focus on a special interest can fuel a strong desire to learn and explore, leading to in-depth knowledge acquisition.
As we master knowledge about a special interest we experience a sense of accomplishment, provides us with a strong sense of identity and our special interest becomes something that we excel in and are proud of.
Ultimately, we should not look at our special interests as a negative trait of Autism, instead it is a superpower. This is because everything I have shared and more that a special interest can do for us ultimately enhances our self-identity, self esteem and our self-confidence, allowing us to embrace Autism confidently.
