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The mysterious world of special interests: How do they affect social skills and self-worth?
Special interests are often a defining feature of the lives of people with autism. These interests are different from typical hobbies in that they are more intense, more focused, and can take up a lot of a person's free time. Many people with autism are obsessed with their special interests, focusing on them for long periods of time and working hard to learn related knowledge, and even collecting related items.
Special interests are not just "obsessions" or "restrictions," but a unique expression of the autism community.
Formation and Development of Special Interests
Studies indicate that approximately 75% to 90% of people with autism develop special interests, with some studies suggesting this proportion can be as high as 95%. These interests usually develop between the ages of one and four, but may not emerge until adulthood. Many special interests begin in childhood with a fascination with a particular object and gradually develop into a deep interest in a particular subject.
For example, a love for Thomas the Tank Engine may initially be just a liking for the toy, but as a child grows older, this interest may turn into a deep understanding of how trains work.
Impact on life
Special interests not only bring joy, but can also have a positive impact on mental health and self-esteem. For adults, engaging in activities that encourage these interests can help manage stress and improve quality of life. However, these interests can sometimes interfere with other areas of life, such as school. For children with autism, incorporating their special interests into the educational environment can significantly improve learning outcomes.
Studies show that when students write about their special interests, they perform significantly better than on other topics.
Opportunities for social interaction
Encouraging people with autism to discuss their special interests can help them improve their social skills and find a community with like-minded people. Many autism acceptance advocates mention that embracing one's special interests can help one better integrate into society and understand the world around them. While special interests can serve as a bridge to connect with others, they can sometimes make social interaction difficult, especially when conversations become one-sided or when there is a lack of other topics for discussion in the interaction.
For example, developing an interest in relatively obscure topics may make social experiences more difficult for someone with autism.
Real-life examples of special interests
Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg told The Guardian that her success was closely linked to her special interests. She mentioned, “Many people with autism have a special interest that they can continue to engage in without getting bored. When you feel that you have a mission, this interest can have a positive impact on you.” It illustrates the importance of special interests in forming personal values and social contributions.
Consider social acceptance
However, challenges remain regarding acceptance of special interests. Some interests may be seen as unusual or bizarre; an interest in electricity pylons, for example, is more likely to be misunderstood than an interest in horses or a football team. Therefore, autistic people sometimes deliberately refrain from talking about these special interests to avoid being laughed at or criticized by others, which also forms a kind of social concealing behavior.
When thinking about how special interests affect the social interactions and self-worth of people with autism, can we have more understanding and respect for these unique interests?
