Why Autistic Special Interests Should Flourish

My last two blog posts have responded to questions from I.H., with the most recent one addressing whether autistic children benefit from or are harmed by social training. As I promised last time, today’s post focuses on limiting the special interests of an autistic person.

Films and Games as Special Interests

This post stems from a situation I.H. described: their child, who is autistic and possibly has an intellectual disability, wants to watch movies and TV or play video games, and spends 80% of their waking hours discussing characters and scenes from those programs. A psychologist advised I.H. to schedule conversations about the shows and games to prevent special interests from “taking over the child’s social interactions.” Of course, I can’t advise I.H. on what’s best for their child, but I can share my thoughts on the topic.

Different Approaches

I clearly see that the psychologist is operating from the medical model of disability, rather than the social model. The medical model is characterized by the belief that disability is a defect that, if possible, should be treated or medicated, viewing the absence of disability as the normal and ideal state. The social model, however, views disability not as a defect, but as a barrier that arises when the environment creates obstacles – through lack of adaptation, inflexibility, and intolerance of difference. According to this perspective, disability isn’t necessarily a problem unless the environment makes it one!

I Favor the Social Model

Neither the medical nor the social model is perfect, but I believe the social approach is generally a much better way to understand autistic people than the medical one, which assumes we aren’t good enough as we are and that we must learn to live like neurotypicals – as if we didn’t have autism. By this, I don’t mean that others should make huge sacrifices for us if it compromises their own health and well-being, but rather that they should accept our quirks and needs—just as we should accept and respect the needs of neurotypicals.

Special Interests Shouldn’t Be Limited Without Reason

As a proponent of the social model, I don’t believe an autistic person’s special interests should be limited without a good reason. Of course, it varies from person to person, and what works for one autistic person might not work for another. There can be situations where special interests need to be limited, for example, when those interests are harmful to the autistic person or those around them (and by harmful, I mean genuinely damaging, not just different). But if that’s not the case and the child is eating and sleeping properly, I think an autistic child should be free to engage in their special interests for a large part of their free time. That’s just my opinion, though!

An Autistic Person is Simply Being Themselves

“But how can an autistic child develop if they’re doing the same activities all day?” many wonder. My answer is that an autistic child won’t develop into a neurotypical when allowed to behave authentically—but hopefully will develop into a well-adjusted autistic person! An autistic person shouldn’t develop into a neurotypical, because they are autistic. Many neurotypicals believe a good quality of life means varying one’s activities and having many interests, but for an autistic person, a good quality of life might be engaging in familiar activities day in and day out! The diagnostic criteria for autism include limited interests and behaviors, so when an autistic person engages in these activities, they’re simply being themselves.

It Can Lead to Mental Health Issues

I myself felt a lot of pressure as a child to vary my activities, because that’s what was expected of me. But it wasn’t until I was an adult—through conversations with a psychologist at the habilitation center—that I understood I am good enough as I am and have just as much right to happiness as anyone else! And in order for me to be happy, I need to embrace my autistic side. I don’t need to vary my activities to feel good! Earlier in life, when I tried to suppress my autism, I just felt bad and suffered from anxiety and depression. If an autistic child functions like I did, then limiting their special interests could even cause mental health problems (though I obviously can’t comment on how I.H.’s child functions).

It Can Be a Strength

Moreover, we need to remember that these intense interests and activities can be a great advantage in certain situations! For example, it was an advantage for me during the COVID-19 pandemic to be able to isolate myself at home for a long time and still feel good. I think society lacks the ability to understand that autistic quirks can sometimes be a strength! Many worry that having limited interests will make it hard to succeed in the workforce and in relationships—which is true if you don’t live in an autism-friendly environment—but because I can entertain myself at home thanks to my special interests, it can be a lifesaver during difficult times!

The Environment May Not Be Able to Cope

Even though I don’t think an autistic person should have to limit their special interests without a reason, it’s important to remember that those around them may become tired of hearing about them. So, as a child gets older and starts school, classmates may distance themselves if an autistic child only talks about their special interests. That’s why it’s important to explain to the child that if they want friends, social reciprocity is important and they shouldn’t choose conversation topics that bore others. But not all autistic children are interested in friends—especially if those friends don’t share their special interests. Ideally, any friends an autistic person has will also share their interests, in my opinion!

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Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if life feels hopeless! Here’s a list of helplines and phone support services in the US you can contact if you need assistance. For people outside the US this page lists helplines for people in need of immediate mental help support during a mental health crisis.