Special Interests in Autism
A special interest is a highly focused level of interest in a certain topic. Many times special interests in autism can be very varied. Some of these interests may develop at a young age or change throughout someone’s life span. Much like neurotypical individuals, everyone’s interest levels in different topics changes throughout their life.
Sometimes, these special interests can be viewed by others as an “oddity” or “different”. Although research indicates that special interests can actually help reduce the child’s anxiety and be used as a positive reinforcer or educational opportunity.
What Does the Research Say?
In a study of close to 2000 children with autism spectrum disorder, the mean number of current special interests reported was 9, with television, objects, and music being most common. The average age of onset reported across all categories was 5.24 years. Previous interests usually lasted more than 2 years. Interference was significantly correlated with the unusualness of the special interests.
The researchers recommended that the child’s special interests can be outlets that may benefit them in social interactions, future employment, and educational opportunities.
Suggestions to Support Special Interests in Autism
Many professionals are recognizing the potential benefits that special interests can bring. The researchers suggested several ways to help children by using special interests for:
- maximizing the child’s potential and building upon strengths.
- motivation during the daily routine.
- writing assignments or handwriting practice to increase motivation.
- research topics.
- a reward if the child completes a less desirable task like cleaning their room or finishing their homework.
- conversation starters to help with social interactions.
- future career planning.
In the words of Temple Grandin – “I strongly recommend that students with autism get involved in special interest clubs in some of the areas they naturally excel at. Being with people who share your interests makes socializing easier.”
Resources to Help Children Succeed
Do you work with students who struggle with self-regulation skills? Are there children you know who either move in slow motion or super fast speed? This Self-Regulation Activity with a Train theme includes a meditation and printable activities to help children learn to get their body into a “just right” state ready for learning. FIND OUT MORE.
Too Slow, Just Right or Too Fast – Visual Supports for Self-Regulation digital document includes 11 visual supports to help children practice self-regulation skills.
References:
Consiglio, Brian , University of Missouri. Special interests can be assets, not hindrances, for youth with autism. Retrieved from the web on 1/22/21 at https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-01-special-assets-hindrances-youth-autism.html
Kerri P. Nowell et al, Characterization of Special Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Brief Review and Pilot Study Using the Special Interests Survey, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2020). DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04743-6
Singer, E. Special Interests in Autism. Retrieved from the web on 1/22/21 at https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/special-interests-in-autism/.