The Power of Passion: How Special Interests Support Autistic Development

At Autism Community Network, we believe in honoring the strengths of neurodivergent individuals—and one of the most powerful, yet often misunderstood, strengths we see in autistic children and youth is the presence of special interests.

What Are Special Interests?

Special interests (SIs) are deeply focused, highly engaging passions that bring joy, comfort, and motivation to many autistic individuals. They can include anything from dinosaurs to sewing, Marvel superheroes to mechanical engineering, music, mythology, or even stop signs. It’s not the topic that makes an interest “special,” but the intensity and personal meaning it holds.

These interests often serve as tools for self-regulation, learning, and connection. While SIs have sometimes been labeled as “restricted” or “obsessive,” research and lived experience show that they are far more often empowering and enriching.

Some children develop deep passions around specific characters or franchises—this joy can fuel learning, creativity, and communication.

Why Do They Matter?

Studies consistently show that SIs are associated with:

• Emotional wellbeing and reduced stress

• Increased motivation and focus in learning environments

• Improved expressive and receptive language

• Development of executive functioning, including planning, attention, and memory

• Opportunities for social connection through shared passions

• Career exploration and self-identity building

  
  

When adults take the time to understand and support a child's SI, it becomes a bridge—not a barrier—to engagement, confidence, and growth.

How a Child Engages Can Reveal Strengths

SIs aren’t all experienced in the same way. Some children explore their interests by creating (e.g., drawing, building), while others collect, memorize facts, seek out information, or engage through sensory experience. A child who wants to know everything about space might read books, watch documentaries, memorize star charts, and build models—all of which support learning and regulation.

In fact, when children are immersed in their special interest, we often see skill areas that are considered “lagging” (like flexible thinking or communication) begin to emerge more naturally. That’s because the SI is intrinsically motivating—it creates a sense of safety and purpose.

Creative engagement with special interests can support sensory regulation, communication, and fine motor skills.

Boys, Girls, and the Myth of the “Typical” Interest

Historically, much of the research and diagnostic criteria around autism—and special interests in particular—have been biased toward how these traits appear in boys. Recent studies have shown that while boys and girls often share many interests (e.g., TV/movies, animals, music), girls are more likely to gravitate toward creative, relational, or animal-based interests that are frequently overlooked because they appear “age-typical.”

For instance, while a boy’s interest in trains might be flagged as a possible SI, a girl’s intense passion for horses or crafting might be dismissed. But the passion, depth, and engagement are just as strong—and just as significant. Recognizing and validating these gendered expressions of interest is essential for accurate support and diagnosis.

Autistic girls may have strong interests that are age-typical but deeply intense—recognizing them is key to inclusive diagnosis and support.

Even when interests appear common, the intensity and focus can indicate a special interest that’s deeply meaningful.

Using Special Interests in Different Settings

At Home

• Build routines around a child’s SI (e.g., bedtime reading about their favorite topic)

• Use the interest to support emotional regulation (e.g., calming music, comforting objects)

• Reinforce family connection by asking questions and participating in the interest together

At School

• Incorporate SIs into writing prompts, math problems, or science projects

• Use the interest as a classroom job or leadership role (e.g., the “reptile fact expert”)

• Offer breaks or rewards related to the interest to support focus and motivation

Special interests can offer joy and motivation for autistic children in social or learning environments.

In Therapy

• Developmental Relationship based therapies, such as Floortime and Pediatric Autism Communication therapy, embed SI's right in, to support the child's motivation, shared engagement and global development. 

• Use SI's as conversational anchors to build social communication

• Reframe “perseveration” as "persistence" and explore its adaptive functions

This kind of intense, joyful focus can build language, coordination, and flexible thinking when supported appropriately.

The Role of Adults: Reframing and Respect

How adults view and respond to special interests matters. When caregivers, teachers, and clinicians frame SIs as meaningful, valid, and useful, children feel seen and empowered. When interests are misunderstood, discouraged, or dismissed, children may experience shame or anxiety around something that actually supports their wellbeing.

At ACN, we encourage a shift in thinking—from managing or minimizing special interests to embracing and expanding them in meaningful ways.

Final Thoughts

Special interests are not distractions—they are opportunities. They are not something to “tolerate”—they are something to celebrate. In fact, they are one of the most authentic expressions of joy and connection many autistic individuals experience.

By understanding both the what and the how of special interests—and by making space for them in our classrooms, clinics, and homes—we create a more inclusive world where autistic strengths can truly shine.