A special interest is a deep, focused passion that many autistic people have for a subject, activity, or hobby. It often brings joy, comfort, and a sense of identity. Special interests can lead to expert knowledge, creativity, and even careers. They are not “obsessions” or “fixations” — they are meaningful and valuable parts of autistic life.
A Brief History
The idea of special interests has been described in autism research for decades, but often in negative or pathologising ways. Autistic advocates reframed the term to highlight its positive role: special interests are sources of happiness, resilience, and connection. Communities now celebrate them as part of autistic culture.