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Uncovering Autistic Special Interests: Why Are These Strong Passions Important?
Special interests are a common phenomenon in the autism community. Special interests are more focused than general interests or hobbies and often occupy a large portion of an individual's free time. People with special interests usually show strong curiosity about related topics, eager to understand and explore various related knowledge in depth, and even incorporate it into games and artistic creations. As everyone knows, behind these enthusiasms lies the unique way of thinking and world view of autistic people.
Special interests are often seen as a sign of autism and can become a wonderful pillar in their lives.
The formation and development of special interests
According to research, about 75% to 90% of people with autism develop special interests, and some studies even indicate that this number may be as high as 95%. These interests usually develop between the ages of one and four, and in some cases may continue into adulthood. Many special interests begin with a fascination with an object, such as Thomas the Tank Engine, and progress to a deeper understanding of the subject, such as how trains work.
According to a 2014 survey, the average number of special interests for autistic people is 2, and the average duration of these interests is 13 years.
Social benefits of special interests
On the positive side, engaging in special interests can bring great pleasure to people with autism. Research shows that adults who engage in their special interests often improve their mental health and self-esteem and manage stress effectively. For children, integrating special interests into the educational process not only improves learning effectiveness, but also enhances their attention to the learning topic and helps develop some important behaviors, such as sportsmanship. Additionally, research indicates that when students write about content relevant to their special interests, they perform better than on other topics.
The impact of special interests on social interaction
Special interests not only impact an individual’s mental health, but also their social interactions. Advocates for people with autism encourage them to be comfortable with their special interests because it helps them develop social skills and find like-minded communities. However, once they are too focused on a certain topic and are unwilling to explore other topics, it may cause difficulty in communicating with others, forming a "one-way" conversation.
Special interests may sometimes be affected by the evaluation of social acceptance. Certain interests, such as "power cables", are sometimes regarded as more peculiar interests.
Success example: Greta Thunberg
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg once mentioned that special interests were crucial to her success. She once said in an interview with the media: "Many autistic people have a special interest and can focus on it for a long time. This is a very useful talent. When you feel a sense of mission, this can You use that passion for a greater good."
Conclusion
Whether it’s social interaction, mental health, or educational development, special interests undoubtedly play an important role in the lives of people with autism. If properly harnessed, these passions can be transformed into motivation to encourage autistic people to shine. However, can we more deeply understand and appreciate the value of these special interests?
